Ruud van Nistelrooy could return to Manchester United as part of Erik ten Hag‘s coaching staff at Old Trafford.

Club sources have declined to comment on reports in the Netherlands that the former United striker has been approached, and insist new co-owners Ineos are focused on concluding ‘positive’ talks with Ten Hag over his new contract.

The 47-year-old Dutchman is a potential replacement for Ten Hag’s assistant Mitchell van der Gaag or forwards coach Benni McCarthy, whose contract runs out at the end of the month.

Despite emerging as a leading contender to replace Vincent Kompany as Burnley manager, it’s understood that Van Nistelrooy is interested in returning to the club where he scored 150 goals in 219 games for United between 2001 and 2006.

The Holland striker won the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup before moving to Real Madrid following a fall-out with Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ruud van Nistelrooy could seal a sensational return to Manchester United as a coach

United are likely to shake up Erik ten Hag’s backroom team after asking him to stay in post

Mitchell van der Gaag (left) and Steve McLaren (right) have assisted Ten Hag since his arrival

Van Nistelrooy’s coaching experience includes working as assistant to the Dutch national team and his only job in management at PSV Eindhoven.

He quit 14 months ago after leading the club to second place in the Eredivisie and victory in the Dutch Cup.

Ineos are planning to make changes to United’s coaching staff despite flying to Ten Hag’s holiday base in Ibiza earlier this month to inform the manager that he will be staying in charge following an end-of-season review.

Talks over a new deal are centred on a re-defined role that would see him have less influence over recruitment.