Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to be appointed as the new manager of Leicester just weeks after leaving Manchester United. The Red Devils icon is set for a quick return to the Premier League after impressing in caretaker charge ahead of Ruben Amorim's arrival at Old Trafford.
Leicester have moved speedily after sacking Steve Cooper after just 12 league games in charge. The axe fell on the former Nottingham Forest boss following Saturday's 2-1 defeat by Chelsea.
Van Nistelrooy emerged as the strong favourite to replace Cooper earlier this week. It is claimed that he is primed to agree a deal to join the Foxes, who he defeated twice in his four-game spell in the United hotseat.
According to the Mirror, the 48-year-old has agreed a two-and-a-half-year contract which could scupper any potential return to United. Van Nistelrooy has admitted that he would like to be his former club's permanent boss in the future.
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If Amorim struggles at Old Trafford over the next two years, United would face a substantial compensation package to prise Van Nistelrooy out of Leicester. United's squad are said to have been impressed by the ex-striker's methods during his short period in the dugout.
Van Nistelrooy initially rejoined United as assistant to Erik ten Hag during the summer. He stepped up to lead the team following his countryman's dismissal in October.
United's form improved during Van Nistelrooy's caretaker spell, which included a 5-2 Carabao Cup victory and a 3-0 Premier League triumph over Leicester. There was also a 2-0 win against PAOK in the Europa League and a 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
However, discussions with new head coach Amorim concluded with Van Nistelrooy leaving the United coaching staff. The Portuguese coach brought five of his own backroom team from Sporting CP and only retained Darren Fletcher, Andreas Georgson and Craig Mawson from Ten Hag's staff.
Van Nistelrooy has a difficult job at Leicester, who have won only two of their 16 Premier League games so far. The Midlands outfit are 16th in the top-flight and have not won since October 19 when they defeated relegation rivals Southampton 3-2.
Cooper lasted only 12 league games after replacing Enzo Maresca, who joined Chelsea in the summer after guiding Leicester to the Championship title last term. Owner Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha is said to have criticised players who pressed ahead with a Christmas party after their defeat against Chelsea last weekend, which sealed Cooper’s fate.
