Manchester United

There is currently severe pressure on Ten Hag due to the team's early-season struggles, and there have been claims that the Dutchman could lose his job if the Red Devils lose to Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.

According to The Mirror, Van Nistelrooy would be the favourite to replace Ten Hag if a change is made, but the ex-Man United forward has 'reservations' over the role at Old Trafford.

The report claims that the Dutchman would not be entirely comfortable replacing Ten Hag, as he does not want to be viewed as a person who 'betrayed' the manager.

Van Nistelrooy returned to Old Trafford over the summer as assistant head coach, and he has been working closely with Ten Hag in the early stages of the 2024-25 campaign.

Van Nistelrooy 'the favourite to replace Ten Hag'

Van Nistelrooy's only previous experience of club management came at PSV Eindhoven between May 2022 and May 2023, but he would be viewed as a popular choice among the Man United fans.

The former forward represented the Red Devils as a player between 2001 and 2006, scoring 150 goals in 129 appearances in all competitions, including 95 goals in 150 Premier League matches.

Van Nistelrooy will again be in the dugout when Man United head to Villa on Sunday, and a defeat in that clash would leave club chiefs with a big decision to make when it comes to their manager.

Former Man United scout Mick Brown has said that Van Nistelrooy would be "a brilliant fit" for the role.

Van Nistelrooy has been called "a brilliant fit" for the role

"Ruud van Nistelrooy has come in, and I know him, he's a top-class person. I was instrumental in signing Ruud. I think he'd be a brilliant fit," he said in an interview with Football Insider.

"But at the moment, he can only do what the manager instructs him to do, so we haven't seen too much of what he's capable of. They're going to have to do something because I don't think there's a long list of candidates out there waiting for the job."

Man United claimed a late point against Porto in the Europa League on Thursday evening, with Harry Maguire netting a last-gasp header for the English giants in a 3-3 draw.

However, it was again a worrying performance from the Red Devils after a bright start, and it has been a poor start to the Premier League season from the 20-time English champions.

Results on Saturday saw Man United drop down into 14th position in the Premier League table, having picked up just seven points from their opening six matches of the campaign.