Leicester could sign three Man Utd stars in January as Van Nistelrooy odds slashed

Manchester United could look to take advantage of Ruud van Nistelrooy potentially heading to Leicester City as Steve Cooper’s replacement by offloading three unwanted stars.

Van Nistelrooy enjoyed a successful four-game stint in charge of United following Erik ten Hag’s sacking last month - a run that has put the Dutchman in the managerial shop window.

Following Cooper’s departure over the weekend, Van Nistelrooy has emerged as the front-runner to take over at the King Power Stadium.

Should Van Nistelrooy be appointed, Express Sport have highlighted three potential United stars he could look to sign.

Joshua Zirkzee

There’s no escaping it hasn’t been a good start to the season for Joshua Zirkzee, who was signed for around £36million in the summer transfer window.

Apart from an opening-day winner against Fulham, it’s been a disappointing few months for Zirkzee, who faces an uphill task to impress new boss Ruben Amorim.

Van Nistelrooy did use Zirkzee in all four of his interim games, with the former striker clearly fond of his fellow countryman, and should the opportunity arise, the pair might find success working together at Leicester, even if it's just a short-term confidence-boosting loan.

Victor Lindelof

Should he feature under Amorim, the Portuguese coach will be the seventh manager Victor Lindelof has featured for since joining United in 2017.

Part of the furniture at Old Trafford since the Jose Mourinho days, there has been talk in recent transfer windows of the Swedish defender being moved on.

Now into his thirties, it’s unlikely Lindelof will enjoy a career renaissance under Amorim, but given Leicester’s fragilities at the back, his Premier League experience could prove vital.

Antony

From a seasoned pro to a player whose United career has never got off the ground, it’s hard to see Antony impressing Amorim enough for the ex-Sporting CP coach to want to keep him around at the club.

Another Ten Hag signing, his £86m move from Ajax has been nothing short of a disaster, with very few, if any, signs things can be turned around.

Antony is still under contract at the Red Devils until 2027, suggesting both parties will likely have to make a compromise in order for him to leave.

But after a disappointing showing at one of the biggest clubs in the world, Antony is unlikely to have Europe’s elite ringing his agent’s phone, meaning a drop down a level or two might be needed in order for the Brazilian to rekindle his career.