Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has reignited his longstanding feud with Ruud van Nistelrooy by accusing the Dutch assistant coach of eagerly anticipating Erik ten Hag’s potential sacking at Manchester United. Ten Hag is currently facing mounting pressure as the manager at Old Trafford following a string of poor performances, including a recent 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
Van Nistelrooy, who joined as an assistant coach under Ten Hag’s leadership, has been rumoured to be a potential interim replacement if the club decides to part ways with the manager. The animosity between Keown and Van Nistelrooy dates back 20 years when the two clashed on the pitch, leading to Keown being banned for three years and fined £20,000 for mocking the Manchester United striker’s missed penalty.
Keown alleges that a stamp from Van Nistelrooy caused a foot injury, which he claims ultimately cost him a spot in the England squad for the 2002 World Cup. Keown, speaking on TalkSport, questioned Van Nistelrooy’s commitment to supporting Ten Hag, wondering if the assistant coach was positioning himself to take over the managerial role, given the current circumstances at the club.
The former Arsenal player remarked on the visible lack of interaction and support for Ten Hag on the sidelines, implying that Van Nistelrooy’s actions may not be fully aligned with the manager’s best interests. Keown highlighted the sense of isolation that Ten Hag appears to be experiencing, suggesting that the assistant coach’s proximity to the situation could be indicative of a potential leadership change.
United’s ownership group had reportedly explored alternatives during the summer but ultimately decided to retain Ten Hag after he guided the team to an unexpected FA Cup victory over Manchester City. However, a series of defeats early in the season has seen United languish in 13th place in the table, with Ten Hag now facing increasing speculation about his future at the club.
Keown emphasised the need for a fresh approach, hinting at the possibility of a managerial change given the team’s recent struggles. With Ten Hag’s position becoming increasingly precarious, the scrutiny surrounding Van Nistelrooy’s role in the unfolding drama continues to escalate, adding another layer of intrigue to the already turbulent situation at Manchester United.