RUUD VAN NISTELROOY has been giving one of Manchester United’s summer signings “secret” advice to improve his game.
The Dutchman returned to Old Trafford in a coaching role this summer.
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Van Nistelrooy joined the club’s backroom team as an assistant to manager Erik ten Hag.
He has since got to work with the Red Devils’ star players, including £36million arrival Joshua Zirkzee.
The forward has revealed his compatriot has been looking to help him increase his goal tally this season.
However, Zirkzee refused to go into detail about their training ground conversations.
Asked what he had been working on with Van Nistelrooy, the 23-year-old told ViaPlay: “I want to keep it a secret.
“(It’s been) great. He’s been a striker. Detailed work. Watching footage. Looking back. The way he works with you. That’s very important. I can relate to that; You can learn a lot from him.”
Zirkzee signed from Bologna in July, penning a five-year deal with the Red Devils.
He later scored on his Premier League debut against Fulham but it remains his only goal in five United appearances.
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Van Nistelrooy is now passing on his expertise to his old club’s latest Dutch striker.
The former PSV man spent five years at Old Trafford as a players, scoring 150 goals in 219 matches between 2001 and 2005.
What we know about the ‘new’ Old Trafford
MANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.
The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.
The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.
A capacity of 100,000 is expected.
It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.
The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.
United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.
There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.
However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.
The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.
The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.
Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.
The target is for completion by 2030.
He also won four major trophies during that time, including a Premier League title under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Zirkzee and Van Nistelrooy will be hoping he can add to his United tally this weekend.
Ten Hag’s side travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace on Saturday evening.
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