Man United's dream Ruud van Nistelrooy scenario ended by Frank Lampard

There is no shortage of managers in the EFL with links to Manchester United on their resume.

Michael Carrick and Steve Bruce are just two names that instantly spring to mind when thinking about United alumni plying their trade in the English lower divisions. However, neither man has used their contacts at Old Trafford recently to bring players to their respective clubs, most likely due to Ineos' takeover making that prospect more difficult as relations once there would need to be forged again.

However, this option looked to be back on the table recently when Ruud van Nistelrooy was linked with the Coventry City job. After they sacked another ex-United striker in Mark Robins, the Dutchman was tipped to be a contender for the job with the Sky Blues.

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Van Nistelrooy's relationship, unlike that of Carrick or Bruce, remains fresh with United having been employed by Ineos as recently as the beginning of this month. His exit was by no means down to their relationship breaking but rather Ruben Amorim's preference to bring his own staff to the club.

Even once Erik ten Hag was sacked, Van Nistelrooy still held a desire to work with Ineos at United. But while things did not work out the door was still open for the former striker to use these new contacts to secure impressive loans for a new club.

Sadly, this dream scenario, which could have seen youngsters and fringe players gain important minutes in the Championship, has now been ended by Frank Lampard. The Chelsea legend looks set to be named the Sky Blues' new manager and will more than likely use his connections at Stamford Bridge to try and improve Coventry in January.

Fortunately for United, the Van Nistelrooy dream scenario is not out of reach yet. Leicester City and Hamburg remain linked with the Dutchman, who previously held the role of head coach at PSV Eindhoven, so the idea is not dead yet but one avenue that had looked likely for a time, has now been closed off.