Ruud van Nistelrooy has expressed his eagerness to return to Old Trafford and reconnect with the Stretford End. Once a towering figure for Manchester United, scoring 150 goals in 219 appearances between 2001 and 2006 and securing all domestic trophies, van Nistelrooy is thrilled to be back in a new capacity.

This summer, he resumed his association with the club as one of Erik ten Hag’s assistant managers, working alongside his fellow Dutchman, Rene Hake. In a recent conversation in Los Angeles, Hake shared his excitement about getting to know the club’s iconic stadium. For van Nistelrooy, the upcoming match against Fulham is particularly exciting as he anticipates stepping onto the pitch at a bustling Old Trafford and acknowledging the Stretford End once again.

“I’m incredibly excited to walk through that tunnel and see a full Old Trafford again,” he said. “Waving to the Stretford End will be a nostalgic experience that brings back great memories and sets a positive tone for the season.”

Since hanging up his boots in 2013, van Nistelrooy has built an impressive coaching career, including a notable stint at PSV Eindhoven where he won the KNVB Cup. The chance to return to United, albeit on the sidelines, was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.

“It’s a unique feeling to be back,” van Nistelrooy noted. “When United offered me the assistant manager role, it was an amazing opportunity. I didn’t anticipate it, but it was an offer I couldn’t refuse, especially with the role and responsibilities involved. Returning to Manchester, seeing Carrington and Old Trafford, and noticing the changes and continuities—it’s a very special experience.”

In his new role, van Nistelrooy places significant value on personal interactions with players. He frequently engages with them individually during training breaks. “On a team level, it’s crucial to integrate various game phases, such as pressing and build-up play,” he explained. “We need to be clear about our objectives and how we want them executed on the training pitch. Hake, the manager, and I are all on the same page, and our goal is to work cohesively. Although it will take time, we’re off to a strong start.”