Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Rene Hake and Ruud van Nistelrooy as their two new assistant managers, with the pair set to work closely with head coach Erik ten Hag next season.
There has been widespread speculation surrounding the duo in recent weeks, and their arrivals at Old Trafford have now been officially confirmed ahead of the team's first friendly of the summer, which comes against Rosenborg on July 15.
The pair have signed contracts until June 2026, and Ten Hag has revealed his delight at the two key changes.
"I am delighted that Rene and Ruud have agreed to join our project, adding a wealth of experience, knowledge and new energy to the staff," he told the club's official website upon confirmation of the news.
"Now is a good time to refresh the coaching team as we look to build on the achievements of the past two years and push to the next level."
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Ten Hag will have two new assistants next season
Meanwhile, the club's new sporting director Dan Ashworth added: "Together with Erik, we are working to strengthen all areas of our men's first-team operations, and refreshing the coaching staff is an important part of that.
"It's a particular pleasure to welcome Ruud back to the club where he enjoyed so much success as a player, and I know that he and Rene will help reinforce the winning mentality and high standards we are aiming for."
Man United have confirmed that Steve McClaren is remaining at the club, in addition to Darren Fletcher, as senior first-team coach and first-team coach respectively, but Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy have both departed.
"Mitchell has decided that now is the right time for him to pursue his own ambitions in a number one position; I want to pay tribute to his fantastic service over the past two years, and also to Benni for his important contributions. We send them our thanks and best wishes for the future," added Ten Hag.
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Van Nistelrooy secures Old Trafford return
Van Nistelrooy famously turned out for Man United as a player between 2001 and 2006, scoring 150 times in 219 appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions.
The 47-year-old, who was linked with the Burnley managerial job earlier this season, resigned as PSV Eindhoven manager just before the end of the 2022-23 campaign.
Meanwhile, Hake has stood down from his role as Go Ahead Eagles manager in order to join Van Nistelrooy at Old Trafford this summer.
Ten Hag worked with Hake at FC Twente earlier in his career, and the 52-year-old has left Go Ahead Eagles with a record of 28 wins, 20 draws and 28 losses from his 76 games at the helm.
The Dutchman had led Go Ahead Eagles to a ninth-placed finish in the Eredivisie last season, securing qualification for the Conference League via a playoff.
Matt Law
