Ruud van Nistelrooy backed to replace Julen Lopetegui at West Ham United – ‘Rude Awakening’
West Ham United may need a “rude awakening” by appointing Ruud van Nistelrooy to replace Julen Lopetegui, according to Michael Hincks.
Hincks of iNews proposed [13 November] that van Nistelrooy, who has just left Manchester United following his interim spell in charge, should be a figure the Hammers go for sooner rather than later.
Lopetegui is already under pressure at the London Stadium following an underwhelming start which leaves the club 14th in the Premier League, winning just three of their opening 11 games.
The latter excerpt of the article reads: “The Premier League [is] the destination that feels most likely. The fact it could happen soon is why it makes even more sense, and in true van Nistelrooy fashion, the Premier League club that pulls the trigger first could view the Dutchman as an easy tap-in.
“Managerially speaking he now poses as an enticing option, and the more time spent deliberating the possibilities, the more West Ham feels like the ideal fit.
“Ten years Lopetegui’s junior, van Nistelrooy could be the rude awakening that West Ham need. Yes, the headlines write themselves.”
West Ham United to axe Julen Lopetegui for Ruud van Nistelrooy?
To dispense with Lopetegui just a matter of months after Tim Steidten’s activities had fans waxing lyrical about a new era would be a ruthless call to say the least, and van Nistelrooy would be a gamble.
But it would be far from the first time and wouldn’t be the last time the chop was made this early – particularly if the 48-year-old is a successor on whom Steidten and the board would be keen.
The club would view it as a “now-or-never” scenario, which could spell the end and harshly so for Lopetegui, who could well improve the team’s fortunes with another transfer window alongside his technical director under his belt.
But elite football waits for no man – and the point of the Dutchman being a decade younger than the Spaniard could also prove pertinent, with many supporters confused as to why a senior coach like Lopetegui, 58, was appointed as part of a “different direction” from David Moyes’ tenure.
Van Nistelrooy has elevated his CV following his stint in bridging the gap at Old Trafford between Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.
It was of course the Irons who cast the final blow to leave ten Hag on the Carrington canvas, and it could be about to travel full-circle if his former colleague takes the hotseat in East London.
In other West Ham news, Steidten has come in for praise after what has happened to a player the club recently sold.
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