Manchester United added Ruud van Nistelrooy to Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff this summer. Academy product Joe Hugill, who scored in Saturday’s pre-season friendly win over Rangers, reveals the former Dutch goalscorer is already having a positive impact.
Hugill was quick to praise the impact of Van Nistelrooy after scoring the winning goal in United’s 2-0 win over Rangers.
Keen to impress Ten Hag and his coaching team, Hugill came off the bench at the break to score a superb finish in the second half.
Hugill’s goal doubled United’s lead after another stunning finish from Amad Diallo in the first half.
The young striker will be doing everything he can to learn from Van Nistelrooy, one of United’s greatest ever finishers.
Van Nistelrooy made an impressive start to his managerial career at PSV Eindhoven before moving to United this summer. It’s an interesting move but one that excites us as it should benefit young players such as Hugill.
The Dutchman’s return to Old Trafford was welcomed with open arms by fans and we are sure Ten Hag is happy to have his experience on board.
When Hugill spoke to reporters after the game, he smiled when asked about Van Nistelrooy and said (via Manchester Evening News): “We’ve been doing a few shooting drills and he’s been giving me a few tips.
“It’s massive having Ruud here, especially for people like myself, young and coming up, to have him in the building, even to ask questions, is massive.”
You would be mistake for believing Van Nistelrooy has only been brought back to United to help the forwards. His responsibilities extend beyond that as Hugill went on to explain.
“Definitely, even in and out of possession. We’re massive on out of possession here,” Hugill said about Van Nistelrooy giving advice in various different areas.
“So your work rate, getting back, and then in possession is doing what strikers do, battling up there and then when you get back in front of goal, being composed and finishing.”
When asked about his goal, Hugill added: “It’s massive [to score early in the season], especially when you’re a striker. You want to score every game but the reality is it’s probably not going to happen. To get an early goal in pre-season helps you start really well.
“My target this summer is just to work hard, get the fitness up, try impress the manager and the coaching staff, and see what happens”
Subscribe to the Stretty News podcast Strettycast for weekly episodes on Manchester United. You can also sign up to the ad-free Stretty Newsletter. Get the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.
