Van Nistelrooy 'set for Man United return' despite Burnley links

Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to return to Manchester United as an assistant manager to Erik ten Hag, according to reports in the Netherlands.

Van Nistelrooy had been linked with the vacant managerial position at Burnley as the Clarets search for Vincent Kompany’s successor following his move to Bayern Munich.

The 47-year-old won the Dutch Cup with PSV Eindhoven in 2023 and guided the side to a second-place finish in the Eredivisie before stepping down from the role. He also had a spell as a coach in the Holland national team set-up.

It appears the chance to return to Old Trafford was something Van Nistelrooy couldn’t refuse following a successful spell with United as a player.

Craig Bellamy, who was named acting head coach following Kompany’s departure, is the current favourite with the bookies. However, he has also been linked with the Wales job following Rob Page’s sacking.

The likes of Scott Parker, Carlos Corberan, Bo Henriksen and Liam Rosenior are also fairly high up the list as Burnley prepare for life back in the Championship.

QPR boss Marti Cifuentes had previously been mentioned as a possible candidate but has now played down a potential move away from Loftus Road this summer after helping the London club avoid relegation to League One.

When asked about interest from other clubs, he told Sky Sports: “It means people value what you are doing but this was a team effort. I am very focused on QPR and excited about the future.”

Cifuentes had also been linked with Sunderland but the Black Cats have now appointed former Lorient boss Regis Le Bris.