Ruud van Nistelrooy 'in frame' for job Frank Lampard wants after Man United exit

Ruud van Nistelrooy is among the favourites to land the vacant manager’s position at Coventry City following his interim spell at Manchester United.

The Dutchman left United on Monday after being let go by new head coach Ruben Amorim, who declined to keep him on as an assistant coach despite his wish. Van Nistelrooy won three and drew one of his four matches in charge.

The 48-year-old’s only other senior management role prior to his interim spell was at PSV Eindhoven, where he won the Dutch cup and Johan Cruyff Shield inside 51 games during the 2022/23 season.

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Coventry are currently on the lookout for a new first-team boss after sacking long-time manager and former United star Mark Robins, a decision that has proven wholly unpopular with club supporters. Frank Lampard has been tipped to become his successor having submitted an application for the vacancy.

The former England star - who has experience at Derby County, Chelsea and Everton - remains as the bookmakers’ overwhelming favourite at 1/2 while interim Three Lions manager Lee Carsley ranks second at 11/4.

Van Nistelrooy is framed as the third-most likely coach to be appointed by Coventry, with odds at 10/1 for his potential arrival. United icon Nicky Butt makes Sky Bet’s top 10, coming in with odds of 22/1.

Speaking ahead of his exit, Van Nistelrooy - who was brought in as an assistant by Erik ten Hag this summer - outlined that he still has a desire to be a manager, revealing his desire to take charge of United permanently one day.

"Manage United permanently? Yeah, of course," Van Nistelrooy said.

"I thought this through well when I made the decision to come to United as an assistant manager or assistant coach. I knew that coming to Manchester United was for me a special occasion, where I felt I wanted to be part of this journey with the club in also an assistant role.

"I had clear ambitions to manage. I made the decision to sign a two-year deal as an assistant and I'm still in that frame of mind to stay in that capacity."

Van Nistelrooy was relieved of his duties just 24 hours after guiding United to a 3-0 win over Leicester City on Sunday. He attains a 70 per cent win ratio for the 55 senior matches he has presided over in his managerial career.