MU legend Van Nistelrooy set to be named Leicester coach in swift return to EPL

RUUD VAN NISTELROOY is close to a quick return to the Premier League as manager of Leicester City.

The Manchester United legend has been in talks with the Foxes since they sacked Steve Cooper following Sunday's 2-1 home defeat to Chelsea.

During his short spell at Old Trafford, Van Nistelrooy guided United to two dominant victories over Leicester, leaving behind a total of eight goals.

But he is now said to be confirmed as the replacement for Cooper, who was sacked after a dismal five months at the King Power Stadium.

Cooper, who previously managed the now high-flying Nottingham Forest, won just TWO of his 12 Prem games as Leicester manager.

Discussions took place with Leicester this week, realizing that SV Hamburg were also keen to attract Van Nistelrooy.

The Dutchman is available without compensation after being sacked from his assistant post at Carrington by new United boss Ruben Amorim.

Leicester are currently struggling with profit and sustainability issues and with little money, they turned to an unemployed boss who didn't want to pay a high fee.

The 48-year-old was undefeated in his four games in charge following Erik ten Hag's dismissal.

Leicester, who are 16th in the Prem, could appoint the former Dutch international for their trip to Brentford on Saturday.

Other possible suitors have reportedly been ruled out by sources close to Leicester, who are one point above the relegation zone.

They include former Chelsea manager Graham Potter and ex-West Ham boss David Moyes, who are no longer in the running.

Van Nistelrooy may be considered a gamble, but he has managerial experience at PSV Eindhoven.

In his first season in charge, PSV finished second in the Eredivisie behind new Liverpool manager Arne Slot's Feyenoord, but won the Dutch Cup, beating Ajax on penalties in the final.

Van Nistelrooy resigned a week before the end of the campaign.

A statement from PSV said the former striker felt there was “not enough support within the club to continue any longer”.

Van Nistelrooy was then out of work for a year, but was eager to return to the dugout.

He said in the summer: “I would love to work in Spain and I have had discussions with Spanish clubs.

“But I also want to coach in the other competitions I have played in – in the Premier League.”

Now, after his brief spell at United, his wish appears to have been granted at struggling Leicester, whose last win came against Southampton on October 19.

The Prem legend also seemed to have a brilliant relationship with players at United, with many of them sad to see him earlier this month.

He has held the UEFA Pro license for more than two years.

Van Nistelrooy previously coached the Dutch team as Ronald Koeman's assistant at Euro 2020.

He returned to Old Trafford this summer as part of a shake-up of the club's coaching staff under Ten Hag, with Rene Hake also arriving as assistant, but all three left when Amorim was appointed.

Van Nistelrooy won a Premier League title, FA Cup and League Cup in a brilliant five-year spell at United under Sir Alex Ferguson.

But this time it will be different for the Dutchman as he is asked to save Leicester from relegation.

The 2015–16 Prem champions were promoted back to the top flight under Enzo Maresca after winning the championship the previous season.

But Southampton and Wolves are the only teams to have conceded more goals than the side at the King Power Stadium.

After Saturday's match at Brentford, they face West Ham, Brighton, Newcastle and Wolves before Christmas.

On Boxing Day it will be leader Liverpool and on December 29 Manchester City.