The UK’s Daily Mirror reports that Ruud van Nistelrooy, Manchester United’s new assistant coach and a former prolific goalscorer for the Red Devils, is working hard to revitalize the club’s attack. His approach? He’s emphasizing the use of crosses.
Van Nistelrooy, one of the Premier League’s most accomplished goal scorers and a lethal finisher in front of goal, has returned to Manchester United as part of Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff. The former PSV Eindhoven coach is determined to improve United’s attacking efficiency – last season, they scored only 57 goals in the league, the lowest among the top ten teams in the Premier League, a full 39 goals less than the top scorer.
Van Nistelrooy’s strategy focuses on maximizing the use of the flanks. At UCLA’s Anderson Stadium, during an attacking training session, Van Nistelrooy set the rule that a team would receive double points if they scored from a cross, encouraging the team to explore the width of the pitch. Additionally, Van Nistelrooy has invested significant effort in setting up technical drills such as “cone areas” and “tiered overlaps,” aiming to alter how Manchester United operates in the “final third.”
Van Nistelrooy believes Manchester United possesses a number of talented wingers, such as Alejandro Garnacho. He also believes this approach will benefit players like Rasmus Højlund, a Danish striker who demonstrated his prowess in front of goal when receiving crosses into the box last season. Furthermore, Ten Hag hopes Van Nistelrooy can help Marcus Rashford rediscover his best form.
Van Nistelrooy played for Manchester United between 2001 and 2006, scoring 150 goals in five years, currently placing him 11th on the club’s all-time goalscoring list. In terms of efficiency, Van Nistelrooy ranks as the second most efficient goalscorer in the club’s top 20 all-time scorers, averaging 0.68 goals per game. Only Tommy Taylor from the 1950s (0.69 goals per game) surpasses the Dutchman.
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