Manchester United Fan Favorite Sacked After Brief Seven-Month Stint

Leicester City have parted ways with ex-Manchester United forward Ruud van Nistelrooy, who has departed from his managerial role following merely seven months at the helm.

Van Nistelrooy secured two titles during his inaugural senior coaching position at PSV Eindhoven before joining Erik ten Hag's coaching team at Manchester United, marking his comeback to Old Trafford where he netted 150 goals across 219 appearances from 2001 to 2006.

He subsequently took over from Ten Hag in a caretaker capacity during October 2024, impressing with three victories and one draw in four matches before leaving the club when Ruben Amorim arrived.

Several weeks afterward, Van Nistelrooy returned to Premier League action with Leicester, though he couldn't replicate the outstanding results from his brief tenure at United. The Foxes suffered defeat in 19 of their 27 matches under the Dutch manager as they dropped into Championship relegation.

During his tenure, Leicester also made unwanted history by becoming the first English top-division club to go scoreless in nine straight home fixtures.

His exit from Leicester had been anticipated for some time but was reportedly postponed until now due to budgetary considerations. Van Nistelrooy's termination can now be recorded in the upcoming season's financial statements.

The Telegraph reports that Van Nistelrooy was left uninformed regarding his status, with the former forward consistently seeking clarification but having to await a conclusive verdict.

"I would like to personally thank the Leicester City players, coaches, academy and all the staff I have worked with for their professionalism and dedication during my time at the Club and to thank the fans for their support, and take this opportunity to wish the Club well for the future," Van Nistelrooy said in a short statement.