Ruud van Nistelrooy linked with a shock return to his former club

Ruud van Nistelrooy has been linked with a surprise return to one of his former clubs, just weeks after leaving Manchester United.

Van Nistelrooy took charge of four games at Old Trafford following Erik ten Hag's dismissal but was not invited to be part of Ruben Amorim's new backroom team despite leading the side to three wins and a draw.

The 48-year-old is currently on the hunt for his next job and a number of parties, including some in England, are said to be keeping an eye on him.

But Sky Germany have claimed that Van Nistelrooy is also in line for the vacancy at 2. Bundesliga team Hamburg.

The Dutchman was a prolific striker during his playing career, spending a season at the club between 2010 and 2011, scoring 17 goals in 44 appearances.

Hamburg parted ways with Steffen Baumgart on Sunday after their 2-2 draw against Schalke, a result that left them eighth in the table.

Sky Germany have reported that Van Nistelrooy was also shortlisted by the club in February, before Hamburg eventually hired Baumgart.

Van Nistelrooy could also be in line for Leicester City's hot seat after Steve Cooper was dropped following the Foxes' 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.

Mail Sport understands he pushed for the job last summer.

Despite leaving United with an improved reputation, Van Nistelrooy is said to be devastated after being overlooked by new Red Devils head coach Amorim.

He made it known several times that he wanted to stay, but Amorim ultimately put his trust in his Sporting coaches and left no room for Ten Hag's short-term successor.

Former Blackburn and Dutch defender Andre Ooijer, who was part of Van Nistelrooy's coaching staff at PSV and is a close friend, revealed he was devastated.

Ooijer told the Mirror: 'Ruud wanted to stay as an assistant. He would have said something if he wasn't interested in working with Amorim.

'Ruud has had the opportunity to become a manager or head coach at other clubs, but he deliberately did not take that job because he wanted to work at the club he loves most.

'Don't forget that Ruud did very well at United, drawing against Chelsea and winning in the other three games. You could tell the fans liked him so much. All you had to do was see how they reacted to him after his last match.

'He did so well under difficult circumstances. He has remained undefeated as a manager.'

After leaving United, Van Nistelrooy posted a heartfelt message on X, insisting he will 'cherish the memories' of his time as manager of the club.

He wrote: 'To everyone at Manchester United Football Club, especially the backroom staff, the players and the fans. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible efforts and support.

“It has been a privilege and an honor to represent the club as a player, coach and manager, and I will always cherish the memories we shared together.

'Man United will always have a special place in my heart and I hope there will be many more glory days at Old Trafford soon, not just because I want the club to do well, but because you all deserve it!

'All the best and be careful, Ruud.'