Ruud van Nistelrooy set for shock return to former club

This was not expected.

Van Nistelrooy returned to Old Trafford as an assistant coach to Erik ten Hag in the summer after last playing for the club in 2006.

He stepped up to the role of interim manager at United after Ten Hag was sacked, managing them to a four-game unbeaten spell across all competitions.

However, he departed the club after the arrival of new manager Ruben Amorim on November 11 after he brought his backroom staff with him.

Van Nistelrooy impressed during his brief spell in the 'impossible job' and was quickly linked with the vacant post at Championship side Coventry City.

Former United striker Mark Robins was controversially sacked from the position earlier this month but Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has become favourite for that position, with the Sky Blues reportedly reaching an agreement with the 46-year-old.

He has also been linked with the Leicester City job after Steve Cooper was sacked over the weekend after just five months in charge, however, Graham Potter is the favourite to take that role.

According to Sky Sports Germany's Florian Plettenberg, Van Nistelrooy is earmarked to take over former club Hamburg, who currently play in Germany's Bundesliga 2.

Hamburg are one of German football's biggest clubs but have been unable to return to the top flight since being relegated from the Bundesliga for the first time in their history in 2018.

Excluding caretakers, the club have had six managers since then, with their latest boss, Steffen Baumgart being sacked on Sunday after a 2-2 draw with Schalke.

They currently sit eighth, four points off the top spot but they haven't won any of their last five matches in all competitions.

Van Nistelrooy knows the club having played for them between 2010 and 2011, scoring 17 goals in 44 matches.

Following his spell at United, Van Nistelrooy sent a message to supporters where he said: "To everyone at Manchester United Football Club, in particular the backroom staff, the players and the fans. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible efforts and support.

"It has been a privilege and honour to represent the club as a player, coach and manager, and I will always cherish the memories we have shared together.

"Manchester United will always have a special place in my heart, and I hope there are many more glory days at Old Trafford very soon - not only because I want the club to do well, but because you all deserve it!"