Manchester United icon Ruud van Nistelrooy is reportedly set to become the new manager of fellow Premier League side Leicester City.
Sky Sports report that the Dutchman, who left his assistant coaching role at Old Trafford following the arrival of Ruben Amorim earlier this month, has been offered the managerial role at Leicester and is expected to accept it.
Van Nistelrooy will replace Steve Cooper, who was sacked on Monday after just five months in charge.
Leicester are in 16th in the Premier League table and sit just a point above the relegation zone, with the style of play under Cooper and summer recruitment both heavily criticised.
Van Nistelrooy has an early opportunity to put both of those right in the coming months and, crucially, keep the Foxes in the top flight.
How much he will have to spend, though, remains to be seen.
Leicester were charged with a £24.4 million breach of the loss limit for Profit and Sustainability rules over the most recent three seasons earlier this year, but escaped a points deduction after successfully arguing that they were not a Premier League club when submitting their 2022/23 accounts on June 30, 2023. The EFL does not have such rules in place.
Here are four United players that Van Nistelrooy could sign for Leicester in January depending on his budget.
Antony
Man Utd winger Antony pictured (Image: Getty)
Ruben Amorim’s new system negates the need for out-and-out wingers, and although he played right wing-back in training last week, it is hard to see Antony fitting in over the long-term at Old Trafford.
The Brazilian was already on the fringes of the squad under Erik ten Hag, the manager who signed him. A sale might be more likely in the summer, so United may wish to loan him out to a fellow Premier League club in January in the hope that he finally finds form in England.
Jonny Evans
Jonny Evans started Amorim’s debut match in charge, Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich, but looked more uncomfortable as part of a back three and was substituted in the second half.
His new manager claimed the Irishman could have done better in a specific passage of play in the second half, and Evans might not play once United’s other centre-backs are back fit.
A move away may be unlikely as Evans still offers valuable experience – and he is doing his coaching badges – at Carrington, but if he wants first team football then a return to his former club might not be too far-fetched.
Tyrell Malacia
Man Utd defender Tyrell Malacia pictured (Image: Getty)
Tyrell Malacia hasn’t played for United since May 2023 but is finally nearing a return to action after complications surrounding a knee injury.
The Dutchman’s short-term future depends on when he can play again – United could have him back at the beginning of December – but he was linked with a move to PSV in the summer that was curtailed due to fresh fitness worries.
The 25-year-old has spoken about how desperate he is to resume his career at the top level, and if United can’t offer him consistent football, Leicester – who aren’t exactly awash with full-back options – might be able to give him a lifeline.
Toby Collyer
Leicester have made good use of the loan market this season, signing midfielder Facundo Buonanotte from Brighton.
The Foxes aren’t exactly blessed with pace in the centre of midfield, though, meaning a swoop for United youngster Toby Collyer could be an option for Van Nistelrooy.
He will be out of action for ‘roughly a month‘ through an injury suffered at the beginning of November, as per the Manchester Evening News, but should return in time for January. The 20-year-old, who reportedly records ‘freakish’ running stats in training, made his Premier League debut earlier this season and could provide a fresh option for Leicester’s midfield.