Peter Schmeichel has revealed that he spoke to Ruud van Nistelrooy “briefly” and the Manchester United assistant manager opened up on one player at Old Trafford.
Ruud van Nistelrooy made his sensational return to Manchester United in the summer as part of Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff.
The 48-year-old Dutchman spent the entirety of the 2023-24 campaign on the sideline after leaving PSV Eindhoven as manager in 2023.
Van Nistelrooy led PSV Eindhoven to the Dutch Cup in his first managerial role before he stepped down from his post before the end of the 2022-23 season.
The former Netherlands and United striker was linked with managerial roles in England before he took up his current assistant manager role at Old Trafford.
Alongside Van Nistelrooy’s appointment, former Go Ahead Eagles boss Rene Hake was named assistant manager under United head coach Erik ten Hag.
Schmeichel on what Van Nistelrooy said
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s return to Old Trafford was welcomed after Erik ten Hag talked up the impact that the Dutchman could have on Manchester United’s attackers.
Rasmus Hojlund has missed the start of the 2024-25 Premier League season after he picked up a hamstring problem in the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal in July.
The 21-year-old Danish forward had represented Denmark at Euro 2024 before he linked up with his United teammates for the pre-season tour in the summer.
Rasmus Hojlund scored against Arsenal in the pre-season friendly at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles before he was forced off the pitch with an injury.
The United and Denmark striker is tipped to make his return from injury after the September international break.
Speaking to Dutch magazine Tipsbladet, Peter Schmeichel revealed that fellow United legend Van Nistelrooy had spoken highly of Hojlund’s potential.
“He is a fantastic talent,” he said.
“The possibilities that lie within him are at the highest level.
“Now Ruud van Nistelrooy came in and I spoke to him briefly. He says there is so much potential in this. If he can help him…”
Schmeichel talks up Man Utd star Hojlund
Rasmus Hojlund arrived at Old Trafford in 2023 after United signed him for £72m from Serie A side Atalanta.
The former Atalanta man had a mixed debut season in England, including failing to score in his first 14 Premier League matches.
However, Hojlund netted five times in six Champions League matches and finished the Premier League season by scoring 10 times in 30 league appearances.
Schmeichel spoke highly of his fellow Dane and called Hojlund a “very impressive” player, but the United legend was critical of how the Red Devils have used him.
“He is a very impressive young person,” he said.
“He is far older than the 21 years he is. He has a great perspective. He is very sensible and cheeky – all the things you want in a young striker.”
Schmeichel added: “It’s not just Rasmus! The team is not playing him right, so there are some things that need to be corrected.”
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