Van Nistelrooy’s Man Utd departure leaves PL manager wary after a shaky start

STEVE COOPER may be looking over his shoulder at Leicester as managerial options appear on the horizon.

Chief Cooper has struggled to get results since taking over when Enzo Maresca moved to Chelsea.

The ex-Nottingham Forest manager, 44, was chosen ahead of Graham Potter and Ruud van Nistelrooy as Foxes boss.

But Potter is yearning for a return having missed the hot seats of Manchester United and England.

Dutch giants Ajax and West Ham are also possible suitors and he would be open to a job at Prem if he had time to influence their season.

And Dutchman Van Nistelrooy strengthened his reputation as caretaker boss at Man Utd.

Foxes pundits claim Cooper has until the end of the year to impress before a call is made.

Leicester went into the November international break 15th in the Premier League.

They have won just two of their eleven games so far, drawing four and losing five.

The last time out they were beaten 3-0 at Old Trafford by Van Nistelrooy-managed Man Utd.

Speaking to the BBC after the match, Cooper said: “The result will paint a picture but ultimately we didn't show enough desire in both penalty areas.

“We allowed two unopposed shots from outside the penalty area on the goals.

“Two of the goals also came from our corners, which is frustrating. It wasn't a dangerous position, but we made it dangerous.

“On the other hand, we got into good areas but didn't show the same desire.

“Our play was fine, but in the end we didn't have the goal. We had good periods, we were in the game and it didn't feel like they were going to score the next goal.

“We can't just say we missed Jamie Vardy, we can't rely on that.”