Ruud van Nistelrooy back in the dugout?! Dutchman wanted by Championship high-flyers Burnley after impressing during interim spell in charge of Man Utd

The former striker impressed during his brief stint in charge at Old Trafford, where he served as interim boss for four games, a period that saw him secure three wins and one draw. Despite this promising performance, the arrival of new United manager Ruben Amorim led to his unexpected departure from the club.

Van Nistelrooy’s time with United may have been short, but his success during those four matches has bolstered his reputation significantly. According to The Sun, Burnley’s management is closely monitoring the Dutchman’s availability as they reassess their leadership options moving forward. They had initially shown interest in him during their summer search for a new head coach. At the time, the Clarets were evaluating both Van Nistelrooy and former Fulham and Bournemouth manager Scott Parker as potential candidates. Ultimately, Parker was appointed, while the 48-year-old chose to accept an assistant role with the Red Devils under Erik ten Hag.

Burnley’s season began on a promising note, with Parker leading his team to impressive victories over Luton Town (4-1) and Cardiff City (5-0) in the opening matches. However, the team’s momentum soon stalled, with the Clarets managing only nine goals across their last 13 league games. This lacklustre performance has sparked growing frustration among Burnley fans, who had high hopes after the strong start. Although Alan Pace, Burnley’s owner, is known for his patience with managers, with fan unrest growing, he may feel compelled to evaluate his options.

Burnley’s fourth-place position in the Championship suggests they are within reach of a promotion opportunity, but continued inconsistency could prove detrimental to their long-term goals. And should they opt for a managerial change, Van Nistelrooy’s proven leadership and tactical approach could be the key to revitalizing their season and securing their Premier League aspirations. They are set to return to action on November 23 with an away fixture against Bristol City.