New Man Utd coach Ruud van Nistelrooy explains coaching style after being brought back to Old Trafford by Erik ten Hag

Van Nistelrooy returned to United in the summer after being enticed back to the club, 18 years after leaving as a player to join Real Madrid. He wasted no time in making his presence felt in United's training sessions during their pre-season tour of the United States and he will continue to work with Erik ten Hag and the rest of his backroom staff to improve the club's fortunes on the pitch.

Van Nistelrooy's arrival came as United made changes to their coaching staff, with Mitchell van der Gaag, Steve McClaren and Benni McCarthy - all of whom were brought in by Ten Hag two years ago - departing. Not only does the Dutchman know the club, but he also has a clear coaching style that he wants to implement at Old Trafford.

“On a collective level, it's important to get the different game phases into the team, what is expected in the pressing or in the build-up or in the mid-block or in all the phases of the game,” he told United's website.

“Like clear: what do we want? How do we want the execution to be and how do we translate it into the training pitch?

“I think we both are aligned with that and also with the manager, of course, and from there on you look to make an influence on individuals or units.

“In the end, when we're on one page, then we are definitely the strongest. That's our aim and it will take time, but I think we had a good start so far.”

United were tested in pre-season, with games against Arsenal, Real Betis and Liverpool on their US tour. The serious stuff begins now, though; the Red Devils will take on Premier League champions and rivals Manchester City in a repeat of the FA Cup final in Saturday's Community Shield.