Leicester City have appointed Ruud van Nistelrooy as their new manager, announcing the appointment late on Friday. The former Manchester United striker has signed a contract through 2027, replacing Steve Cooper at the helm. Van Nistelrooy, who most recently had a brief stint as interim manager at United following Erik ten Hag’s departure, comes to Leicester after impressing the club’s hierarchy during his time overseeing matches, including victories over Leicester in both the Carabao Cup and Premier League.
This marks his return to first-team management after his tenure at PSV Eindhoven in 2022/23, where he guided the Dutch club to the KNVB Cup. Van Nistelrooy will observe Leicester’s upcoming match against Brentford from the sidelines before officially taking charge for their home fixture against West Ham on Tuesday.
In his initial remarks as Leicester’s manager, Van Nistelrooy shared his enthusiasm for taking on the responsibility of managing a club with such a proud history and passionate fanbase. He spoke highly of Leicester’s recent successes, including their return to the Premier League, and expressed a deep respect for the people at the club. Van Nistelrooy stressed his commitment to developing strong relationships with everyone at Leicester—players, staff, and supporters alike—aiming to build a unified team both on and off the field.
He also praised the balance of Leicester’s current squad, which boasts a blend of emerging young talent and experienced professionals. Van Nistelrooy singled out veteran striker Jamie Vardy, noting his leadership and experience as crucial to the team’s success. The new manager expressed excitement about working with Vardy and leveraging his vast experience to drive the team forward.
Having faced Leicester twice in recent weeks, Van Nistelrooy provided insights into the team’s strengths and areas for improvement. He acknowledged the solid tactical foundation left by previous manager Enzo Maresca, particularly Leicester’s attacking style and ball possession. Van Nistelrooy intends to build on these principles, blending them with his own ideas to create an exciting and attacking team, while remaining flexible in defense depending on the opposition.
He also revealed that he had spoken with Maresca, who offered high praise for the club, further motivating Van Nistelrooy to take on the challenge. With the West Ham match approaching, he is eager to make a positive impact, energize the squad, and form a strong connection with the supporters at the King Power Stadium.
