Views: 0
Dutch coach Fred Rutten has turned down the chance to be assistant manager to Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.
Ten Hag will take charge at Old Trafford this summer when a woeful campaign for the Red Devils comes to an end.
F365’s early loser: The worst Manchester United team in Premier League history
The 52-year-old is focused on finishing the season with Ajax with his side currently top of the Eredivisie table with three games remaining.
Who will be his assistant manager in Manchester is yet to be decided. Reports last month suggested that former England manager Steve McClaren will take up the role.
Having worked with Rutten at PSV between 2009 and 2012, Ten Hag is reportedly keen on reuniting with his former boss when he joins United.
However, the ex Feyenoord, Anderlecht and Schalke manager has confirmed that he has rejected an offer to be Ten Hag’s No. 2 at Old Trafford.
Raphaël Varane: “I played against them [Ajax] in the Champions League and they played very well. I’m very excited to work with him [Ten Hag]. I’m looking forward to working with him. I think he has good experience and he’s a good person to work in this club.” #mulive [men]
— utdreport (@utdreport) May 3, 2022
Rutten has instead decided to return to PSV where he will act as Ruud van Nistelrooy’s assistant.
“At Manchester United you get on a train and you can’t get off it. I want to feel comfortable in something you step into. That is the case with PSV.
“It’s nice when you have grandchildren, who you see every now and then and who can play ball with.”
Rutten added: “Of course I spoke extensively with Ruud van Nistelrooy.
“He triggered me to give up the slightly freer life that I now have. He sat in the room with me and we talked for two hours about football and other things. And when talking about those other things in life, he also triggered me.
“I think Ruud already has some experience, he has already trained a number of teams, at Jong PSV and their under-18s.
“He has also acquired experience from the Dutch national team. Ruud is ready, that’s what it seems to me. I am positively critical.
“For me, PSV stands for a Champions League club. Everything you do should serve that thought.”