Man Utd stars spill the beans on what Ruud van Nistelrooy is really like in team meetings

Ruud van Nistelrooy's crucial role in Manchester United's new coaching team was on full display during their first match of the US tour. Just before kick-off against Arsenal at SoFi Stadium, United manager Erik ten Hag engaged in a final pre-match discussion with Van Nisterooy, who was seated to his left.

To Ten Hag's right was another new assistant manager, fellow Dutchman Rene Hake, but it was with Van Nistelrooy that Ten Hag had his last briefing before the game commenced.

Van Nistelrooy, a former United striker who netted 150 goals in 219 appearances from 2001 to 2006, is undoubtedly the most recognisable figure in the club's new coaching line-up. Now aged 48, Van Nistelrooy rejected the managerial position at Burnley and other high-profile offers to return to United as one of Ten Hag's trusted deputies.

This is a stark contrast to his departure from United 18 years ago when he stormed out of Old Trafford on the season's final day after being omitted from the squad by Sir Alex Ferguson, only to be sold to Real Madrid shortly afterwards.

Despite having managerial experience he guided PSV Eindhoven to Dutch Cup victory Van Nistelrooy didn't view accepting an assistant's role as a demotion and has privately admitted that he couldn't refuse United's offer. Given his impressive record as a striker and prolific goal-scorer, it's tempting to view Van Nistelrooy as a forwards coach tasked with improving United's strikers' efficiency in front of goal.

However, one United staff member has described Van Nistelrooy as a "proper coach", whose successful past as a striker provides him with unique insights to share with defenders on how to effectively neutralise forwards.

Now three weeks into his new coaching role at United, Van Nistelrooy has been imparting his experiences of what he found challenging in matches to the club's defenders, enhancing their understanding of marking strikers.

During training sessions at UCLA, United's base in Los Angeles, Van Nistelrooy's authority and influence have been immediately evident. He takes an active role in training drills and has frequently urged United's players to move the ball "quicker".

While Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his new football executive team felt changes were necessary in the coaching set-up following last season's decline, Teg Hag recognised the need for fresh perspectives within his staff and played a key role in the appointments.

United's players have warmly received the new additions to the coaching staff, particularly welcoming back club legend Van Nistelrooy, who commands respect.

Defender Jonny Evans commented: "It's always good to freshen up. Ruud coming back has been great, especially for myself."

"I grew up sort of idolising Ruud and the way he used to play. I got a little bit of chance when I was in the youth team, to see him play.

"When he was coming to the end of his United career, I might have trained with him once or twice, when he was coming back from injury.

"When he was nearing the end of his time at United, I might have had the chance to train with him once or twice, when he was recovering from an injury.

"So it's good to have someone of that calibre and respect in the squad."

Tom Heaton, who is currently the third-choice goalkeeper for United, was at the club during Van Nistelrooy's tenure and has praised him as the best finisher he has ever witnessed.

"Me and Ruud spent a bit of time together," Heaton revealed. "I was always his preferred keeper for shooting practice.

"He's been absolutely brilliant since he joined, and his attention to detail is exceptional.

"You could be mistaken for thinking he's just a United legend coming in as a figurehead.

"But his meticulousness - and I've attended a few meetings where I've heard him speak - has been remarkable.

"He's the best finisher I've ever seen. I've seen some brilliant finishers, but I've not seen anyone better in my career."