Ruud van Nistelrooy has made his feelings clear on Rasmus Hojlund a few months after Man Utd return

Ruud van Nistelrooy is said to have already delivered some key advice to Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund following his return to Old Trafford.

Van Nistelrooy, 48, returned to the club earlier this summer as part of a coaching shake-up that saw former assistant manager Mitchell van der Gaag depart.

Fellow Dutchman Rene Hake also arrived alongside the legendary forward, who had previously spent time with Go Ahead Eagles in the Eredivisie.

Having quickly gotten to work alongside Erik ten Hag, Ruud’s influence has been cited as a potential positive for young forward Hojlund at Manchester United.

The Red Devils have suffered a slow start to the new Premier League season, winning just one of their opening three matches.

An opening-day success against Fulham preceded losses to Brighton and Liverpool with questions once again being asked of Ten Hag’s credentials.

Hojlund’s return has been a hot topic of discussion, with the talented Dane still stepping up his recovery from an injury he sustained in pre-season.

Despite those injury struggles, Van Nistelrooy has already told one former Man Utd player that he sees a bright future for Hojlund.

“Ruud van Nistelrooy is back at the club and I spoke to him briefly,” Peter Schmeichel told Tipsbladet.

“He says there is so much potential in him (Hojlund). If he can help him…

“It’s not just Rasmus! The team is not playing with him in the right way, so there are some things that need to be corrected.”

Hojlund enjoyed a strong first season at Old Trafford after making the switch from Atalanta last summer.

Netting 16 goals in 43 appearances in all competitions, the Denmark international impressed supporters and Ten Hag in his debut campaign.

Joshua Zirkzee has since arrived at the club to help share the weight of expectation in attack and it remains to be seen how Manchester United set up when both strikers are fully fit.

“[It is] very pleasing that a player who is a striker scores his first goal in his first game,” Ten Hag told reporters after Zirkzee’s strike against Fulham.

“It helps absolutely (Zirkzee) scoring his first goal, it gives him confidence and gives us confidence as a team. Very good progress.”