Ruud van Nistelrooy has previously made his feelings on the Manchester United manager's job clear after the interview of his countryman Erik ten Hag on Monday.
Manchester Evening News revealed last week that Ten Hag has been interviewed for the vacant permanent managerial position. Ralf Rangnick is currently in charge at Old Trafford on a temporary basis but United are looking for their next permanent boss.
Last week, MEN Sport reported that the Ajax boss is United's preferred candidate for the role as they look to rebuild following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November. Since then rumours have suggested that the club would be looking for a former player to takeover as Ten Hag's number two.
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Due to his Dutch heritage, Robin van Persie has been mooted as well as Van Nistelrooy, who only left the Theatre of Dreams after a disagreement with Sir Alex Ferguson in 20016 — though Van Nistelrooy has since been touted as a possible candidate for the PSV Eindhoven manager's job. He previously shared his opinions on the managerial position in Manchester when Solskjaer's contract was terminated.
He told ESPN NL via Daily Express : "He’s kind of my old buddy in attack. I felt bad for him, what he had to go through in recent months. But he is strong, has given his heart and soul for the club. I know that.
"But I am only proud of him. I know that most United fans are proud of him, that he has brought back a little bit of that Manchester United feeling. He stood there anyway and that is brave."
If Van Nistelrooy was to join Ten Hag at Old Trafford he would likely have to face the same criticism if results did not go according to plan. United are hoping to hire a new manager before the end of the season ahead of what will be a busy summer for the club.
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