As soon as Ruben Amorim was appointed as the new Manchester United coach, Ruud van Nistelrooy was swiftly shown the door by the club and that left the former Red Devils striker somewhat dejected.
After Erik ten Hag was sacked, Van Nistelrooy took charge of United on an interim basis.
Amorim assumed his new role on November 11, and the next day it was confirmed that Van Nistelrooy would be leaving the club.
Following his departure, Van Nistelrooy was flooded with offers from other clubs before he decided on taking charge of Leicester City.
'It hurt I had to leave'
“The moment I took over the interim job, what I said was I’m here to help United and to stay to help United, and I meant it. So I was disappointed, very much so, and it hurt I had to leave,” said 48-year-old Van Nistelrooy.
“The only job I would have taken as an assistant manager was at United because of the bond I have with the people in the club, and the fans,” he said.
“In the end I got my head round it because I also understand the new manager. I’m a manager myself. You can think of a situation, me being there… I understand.”
It might sound like harsh treatment for Van Nistelrooy, but it brings to mind Benni McCarthy and his time at United.
Hired in 2022 under Ten Hag as a strikers coach, there was nothing but praise for the influence the former Bafana Bafana striker had during a mostly torrid time for the club.
In July it was announced that the 47-year-old McCarthy had left United. At the end of the previous season, Bafana’s all-time top goal scorer said he wanted to become a head coach again. That feeling was what probably led to his exit, and since then McCarthy has not found a new job.
It also has to be mentioned that McCarthy worked his way up through the coaching ranks, first taking up an assistant role at Belgian club Sint-Truiden in 2015/2016 before two-year stints at Cape Town City and AmaZulu ahead of his move to United.
McCarthy said on the On The Whistle Podcast: “I believe I can reach the level of the best coaches in the world with the right club, the right opportunity, and given the chance.”
“It’s not necessarily about beautiful football, but rather a winning brand of football, one that players are proud to be part of. That’s the vision I bring as a manager, and I believe I can deliver when given the chance.”
Pitso in the coaching area
It’s not just McCarthy that perhaps should have reached greater heights by now, as is the case with Pitso Mosimane. He may have been in charge of one of the biggest clubs in Africa as he led Egyptian giants Al Ahly from 2020 to 2022, but the 60-year-old surely should have landed a job in Europe by now.
Mosimane began his coaching career in 2001 at SuperSport United where he spent six years. He was also in charge of Bafana from 2010 to 2012.
His most successful period, was leading Sundowns for eight years starting 2012. In five of those seasons he led Sundowns to the league title, and perhaps his biggest achievement during that time was winning the Caf Champions League in 2016.
Currently in charge of Esteghlal in the Persian Gulf Pro League after his appointment in October, it seems that this brilliant tactician’s career may be stagnating.
One can only hope that in 2025, one of the top football clubs in Europe will give someone like Mosimane or McCarthy a chance. Yes, it will be taking a chance but it certainly won’t be a gamble.