Ruud van Nistelrooy has expressed his enthusiasm about returning to Old Trafford and reconnecting with the Stretford End. The Dutch striker, who was a key player for Manchester United from 2001 to 2006, scoring 150 goals in 219 appearances and winning all domestic trophies, is excited to be back in a different role.

Over the summer, van Nistelrooy returned to Manchester as one of Erik ten Hag’s assistant managers, joining his fellow Dutchman Rene Hake. During a recent interview in Los Angeles, Hake shared his excitement about getting to know the club’s home ground. For van Nistelrooy, the upcoming Fulham game will be a special occasion as he anticipates walking through the tunnel at a packed Old Trafford and greeting the Stretford End once again.

“It’s thrilling to think about walking through that tunnel again, seeing a full Old Trafford, and waving to the Stretford End,” he said. “It brings back great memories and sets a positive tone for the start of the season.”

Since retiring from playing in 2013, van Nistelrooy has been building his coaching resume, including winning the KNVB Cup during his time as PSV Eindhoven’s manager. The opportunity to return to United as an assistant manager was one he couldn’t pass up.

“It’s special to be back,” van Nistelrooy commented. “When United offered me the role of assistant manager, it was an incredible opportunity. I never expected it, but I couldn’t refuse, especially with the role I was offered. Returning to Manchester, seeing Carrington, Old Trafford, and the city—some things have changed, and some remain the same. It’s very special to be back.”

In his new role, van Nistelrooy values one-on-one interactions with players. He often speaks with them individually during breaks in training sessions. “On a collective level, it’s important to integrate the different phases of the game, like pressing or build-up play, into the team,” he explained. “We need to clearly define our goals and how we want them executed on the training pitch. Both Hake and I, along with the manager, are aligned on this approach. Our aim is to work together effectively and strengthen the team, and while it will take time, we believe we’ve had a good start.”