Man United a 'train that you can't get off', says assistant who turned them down

The 59-year-old manager has revealed he was offered the chance to join Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford dugout next season but politely declined.

Rutten gave Ten Hag his break in coaching as his assistant at PSV Eindhoven, and it appears the duo could have linked up again in England.

However, Rutten will instead return to PSV to work alongside former Red Devil Ruud van Nistelrooy after being put off by the demands in Manchester.

"I have a family, I have grandchildren. I want to see them every now and then," Rutten told ESPN.

"At Manchester United you get on a train and you can't get off it. I want to feel comfortable in something you step into. That is the case with PSV.

"It's nice when you have grandchildren, who you see every now and then and who you can play ball with."

Rutten explained why staying in the Netherlands was the more attractive option, with Van Nistelrooy's passion for the world outside of football 'triggering' his interest.

"Of course I spoke extensively with Ruud van Nistelrooy," he said. "He triggered me to give up the slightly freer life that I now have.

"He sat in the room with me and we talked for two hours about football and other things. And when talking about those other things in life, he also triggered me.

"I think Ruud already has some experience, he has already trained a number of teams, at Jong PSV and their under-18s.

"He has also acquired experience from the Dutch national team. Ruud is ready, that's what it seems to me. I am positively critical.

"For me, PSV stands for a Champions League club. Everything you do should serve that thought."

Ten Hag's search for his assistant in the Premier League will continue, with a string of names linked with the role.

Current Ajax assistant Mitchell van der Gaag has been linked, along with former Man United striker Robin van Persie.

Another of Ten Hag's former coaching colleagues, Steve McClaren, has also been mentioned, with the shortlist cut down after Rutten removed himself from it.