Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy showed actions speak louder than words after footage emerged of him on the touchline during one key moment in the Brentford match.
Erik ten Hag’s men picked up their third Premier League win of the season on Saturday with their 2-1 comeback victory against Brentford at Old Trafford.
Manchester United were placed on the back foot before half-time after Ethan Pinnock fired Brentford into the lead from a corner in first-half injury time.
The Red Devils were furious after Matthijs de Ligt was forced off the pitch to receive treatment for a head injury, with United reduced to 10 men for the Brentford corner.
However, Erik ten Hag’s side bounced back in the second half and Alejandro Garnacho cancelled out Ethan Pinnock’s opener only two minutes after the break.
Rasmus Hojlund then netted United’s winner in the 62nd minute, with the Red Devils securing all three points from their first clash post-October international break.
Van Nistelrooy’s reaction spoke volumes
Ruud van Nistelrooy made his sensational return to Old Trafford in the summer after he took up a place in Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff at Manchester United.
The 48-year-old Dutchman became assistant manager for Ten Hag alongside Rene Hake, who took up the same post as Van Nistelrooy in the summer.
Footage emerged on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, of the reactions of Matthijs de Ligt and Van Nistelrooy after United conceded.
A furious De Ligt spun away from his treatment and kicked the ball away after Brentford scored from the corner, with the United star making his feelings known.
The footage also captured an irate Van Nistelrooy confronting fourth official Gavin Ward and appeared visibly outraged by the decision to take De Ligt off.
Van Nistelrooy’s stats prove intention
Van Nistelrooy was booked for his behaviour on the Old Trafford touchline, while United manager Ten Hag received a caution for his dissent.
The legendary former United striker has made a clear point that he will be an active presence on the touchline, which is reinforced by one key stat.
Fabrizio Romano posted that Van Nistelrooy received only 22 yellow cards during his legendary playing career at United under Sir Alex Ferguson.
However, the United assistant manager has already received two yellow cards only months into his tenure as one of Ten Hag’s two right-hand men.
“Ruud van Nistelrooy received 22 yellow cards during his four-season playing career at Old Trafford…,” Romano wrote on Facebook.
He added: “…Since returning at Man United as assistant manager, he already has two.”
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