Ruud van Nistelrooy's unseen moment with Alejandro Garnacho shows why Man Utd hired him
Ruud van Nistelrooy has a prominent role among Erik ten Hag's Manchester United staff and his impact can already be seen on a matchday following the club's Premier League win over Fulham
Ruud van Nistelrooy is already showing his expertise in man-management after joining Erik ten Hag's coaching staff this summer.
The former Manchester United sharpshooter returned to the club in an assistant role having already started his own managerial career with PSV Eindhoven, before departing the Eredivisie club little over 12 months ago do to lack of support. The Red Devils recruited the 48-year-old with hope he could help reinstill a winning mentality at Old Trafford.
While that will include ensuring that lofty demands are met each day for the 13-time Premier League champions, Van Nistelrooy has shown after just one game he has the ability to put an arm around the shoulder. After United's 1-0 win over Fulham, the ex-Netherlands international came onto the pitch to greet players, putting an arm around goalscorer Joshua Zirkzee, and also embracing Andre Onana.
The Dutchman made a beeline for Alejandro Garnacho following the full time whistle however, with the young winger looking frustrated, far away from the dugout. After arriving on the field as a substitute, the 20-year-old provided an assist for Zirkzee but was left to rue a dreadful miss in stoppage time with only Bernd Leno to beat.
Van Nistelrooy quickly noticed Garnacho's reaction and made his way to the player to clasp hands and share a few words. The Argentina ace still trudged into the tunnel but it was a moment of class from the coach.
Though Garnacho was left discontented, Zirkzee was much happier with his cameo. The former Bologna forward produced an impressive strike in the 87th minute to start life at Old Trafford on a very positive note.
The 23-year-old described his move as a 'dream' thus far. "To win here in my first home game and to grab a goal, it couldn't be better," he told Sky Sports.
"I've been told [scoring at the Stretford End] is one of the best feelings at Man Utd. I'm so thankful and blessed I could experience it in my first game. It's an amazing feeling.
"At the end of the day we got the win, that's all we wanted. I can't really explain the feeling, it's just very nice. I feel very warm here. It's a great team. We want to achieve something great. It's been amazing, it's been a dream actually.
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