Manchester United assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy appeared to encourage referee Tobias Stieler to show him a yellow card after Samu Omorodion’s equaliser for FC Porto.
United got off to the perfect start during Thursday night’s Europa League clash at the Estadio do Dragao.
Marcus Rashford, who has struggled for form of late, scored a much-needed opener for Erik ten Hag‘s side with just seven minutes on the clock.
And shortly after, the returning Rasmus Hojlund doubled their lead after another poor mistake from Diogo Costa.
But things soon crumbled for the Premier League side as Pepe clawed one back for the hosts, who soon equalised in the 34th minute after Samu Omorodion brushed Matthijs de Ligt aside to score a powerful header.
Moments later, a furious Ruud van Nistelrooy was vocal in his complaints towards German referee Tobias Stieler.
In fact, Stieler approached the Dutchman to have a word and to the surprise of many, Van Nistelrooy appeared to encourage the official to give him a card.
As you can see in the footage below, the former Manchester United striker put his thumb up before Stieler brandished the card, and later nodded his head when the yellow emerged.
One fan commented on the incident, saying: “Showing more passion than Ten Hag and most of those players on the pitch,” and another wrote: “Love to see it.”
Back in August, United announced that Van Nistelrooy would join Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff ahead of the 2024/25 campaign alongside Rene Hake.
The former PSV Eindhoven manager, who played for the Reds between 2001 and 2006, has since been credited for bringing a fresh perspective to the first-team fold.
In fact, he is said to have played a ‘crucial’ role in convincing highly-rated youngster Chido Obi-Martin to join from Arsenal this summer following face-to-face talks.
“I am delighted Rene and Ruud have agreed to join our project, adding a wealth of experience, knowledge and new energy to the staff,” said Ten Hag on the double appointment.
“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.”