Could Man United "legend" Ruud van Nistelrooy make a swift return to English football?

Van Nistelrooy was appointed Manchester United's interim head coach at the end of last month following Erik ten Hag's dismissal, and he was in charge of the 20-time English champions for four matches.

The Dutchman led the Red Devils to three wins and one draw, including a 3-0 victory over Leicester City in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, and the team are now only four points off third in the Premier League table.

Van Nistelrooy had expressed a desire to remain at Man United as part of Ruben Amorim's staff, but it was announced on Monday that he would be leaving the English giants following the arrival of the new manager.

"Manchester United can confirm that Ruud van Nistelrooy has left the club. Ruud rejoined in the summer and has taken charge of the team for the past four matches as interim head coach," Man United said in a statement.

"Ruud is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend. We are grateful for his contribution and the way in which he has approached his role throughout his time with the club. He will always be very welcome at Old Trafford."

Burnley 'interested in Van Nistelrooy as Parker replacement'

According to The Sun, Van Nistelrooy could be offered the chance to make a quick return to English football, with Burnley considering bringing him in as their new head coach.

Van Nistelrooy was linked with the position at Turf Moor over the summer, but the Clarets appointed Scott Parker, with the 44-year-old handed a contract at the Championship club until June 2027.

Burnley are currently fourth in the Championship table, only four points behind leaders Sunderland, suggesting that a change of manager at this stage of proceedings would be a huge surprise.

However, club chiefs are said to be giving consideration to allowing Parker to leave in order to bring in Van Nistelrooy, with the Dutchman making a huge impression during his time in charge of Man United.

What next for Van Nistelrooy?

Van Nistelrooy was hugely popular at Man United, but it was right for his career that he departed.

It would have been very difficult to go back to becoming an assistant after getting a taste of having the managerial job, and Red Devils midfielder Paul Scholes recently said that it would be best for his career to move on.

"I think he should be a manager, he just looks like he is made to be a manager to me," Scholes told TNT Sports. "I don't think he should be anybody's, not puppet, but I think he is better than an assistant manager."

Van Nistelrooy's first experience of management came at PSV Eindhoven between May 2022 and May 2023, winning 33, drawing 10 and losing eight of his 51 games in charge, before being appointed Man United assistant manager over the summer.