Ruud van Nistelrooy rejoins Man Utd as ex-team-mate Darren Fletcher gets completely different job and two coaches axed

RUUD VAN NISTELROOY has returned to Manchester United as assistant boss in a huge backroom reshuffle.

But Darren Fletcher has been handed a brand new job while two coaches have been axed completely.

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United boss Erik ten Hag is ready to rock and roll after being handed a contract extension by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Along with new football gurus Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox, Ten Hag will look plunder the transfer market for quality bargains before embarking on a title push in the new Premier League campaign.

But change isn’t just happening in the board and dressing rooms as United look to sign Dutch duo Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt.

That’s because Ten Hag has also welcomed Red Devils legend Van Nistelrooy as one of two new assistants to his backroom staff.

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The Premier League winner banged in 150 goals in five years at Old Trafford.

And he has since picked up vital managerial experience with Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven.

Also joining as the second assistant is Rene Hake, who was in charge of Eredivisie side Go Ahead Eagles last season.

He and Van Nistelrooy have arrived as replacements for coach Benni McCarthy and No2 Mitchell van der Gaag, with the latter quitting his post to pursue a new challenge as a manager.

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United also confirmed Steve McClaren will remain in his role as senior first-team coach.

Former star Fletcher is staying put too despite being bumped from his technical director role by Wilcox.

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And the Scot now has a brand new role as a first-team coach.

Ten Hag confirmed: “I am delighted that Rene and Ruud have agreed to join our project, adding a wealth of experience, knowledge and new energy to the staff.

“Now is a good time to refresh the coaching team as we look to build on the achievements of the past two years and push to the next level.”

On McCarthy and Van der Gaag’s exits, he added: “Mitchell has decided that now is the right time for him to pursue his own ambitions in a number one position.

“I want to pay tribute to his fantastic service over the past two years, and also to Benni for his important contributions.

“We send them our thanks and best wishes for the future.”

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Sporting director Ashworth noted: “Together with Erik, we are working to strengthen all areas of our men’s first-team operations, and refreshing the coaching staff is an important part of that.

“It’s a particular pleasure to welcome Ruud back to the club where he enjoyed so much success as a player, and I know that he and Rene will help reinforce the winning mentality and high standards we are aiming for.”

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