According to Crickex Login, Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy has returned to the club this summer as Erik ten Hag’s new assistant coach, replacing Steve McClaren and Mitchell van der Gaag. While not officially designated as a striker coach, one of his primary missions is to elevate the performance of United’s attacking players. The 48-year-old Dutchman, who scored 150 goals during his five-season spell at Old Trafford, is expected to provide valuable guidance to forwards like Rasmus Højlund and new arrival Joshua Zirkzee.

However, Crickex Login has learned that van Nistelrooy has been given a special directive from the club: focus on the development of 20-year-old Alejandro Garnacho, specifically refining his movement and decision-making in the attacking third. United’s coaching staff and executives believe the Argentine, often dubbed the “New Cristiano Ronaldo,” has untapped potential that can be unlocked with the right mentorship. They see Garnacho’s growth as a key pillar in the team’s pursuit of silverware.

Last season, Garnacho scored 10 goals and delivered five assists, but his tendency to play too individually on the flanks drew criticism—even from teammates. At one point, Højlund was visibly frustrated with Garnacho’s lack of passing. The situation mirrored Cristiano Ronaldo’s early days at United, when van Nistelrooy famously clashed with the Portuguese winger over similar issues. That conflict ultimately contributed to van Nistelrooy’s departure to Real Madrid.

Despite their falling-out, van Nistelrooy later called Sir Alex Ferguson to apologize, and in doing so, began his transition into coaching. Reflecting on his mentors, including Sir Bobby Robson and Ferguson, van Nistelrooy emphasizes the importance of personal relationships in coaching—not just viewing players as athletes, but as people.

“When you build that bond,” he said, “you can truly get the best out of someone.” He believes that coaching is about balance—sometimes being firm, sometimes offering encouragement—but always being honest and respectful. “If you understand what it takes to reach the top, it’s your job to pass that knowledge on,” he added. “Whether it’s a good day or a bad one, the sun will rise and fall just the same—so keep going.”

Van Nistelrooy takes great pride in helping young players grow, considering it one of the most fulfilling parts of his coaching journey. In addition to Ferguson and Robson, he holds high respect for former Málaga coach Manuel Pellegrini, who showed him that even bench players can have meaningful impact. It was Pellegrini—ironically a future Manchester City manager—who first inspired van Nistelrooy to consider a career in coaching.

As Crickex Login observes, Van Nistelrooy’s wealth of experience and player-first philosophy could be exactly what Garnacho needs to make the leap from potential star to consistent game-changer.