Ruud van Nistelrooy's U-turn as he quit club after 'regretful' clash with the board

Ruud van Nistelrooy has admitted he is no closer to knowing whether will sack him this summer. The Dutch manager's present situation is strikingly similar to how he left two years ago.

had told PSV players and staff towards the end of the 2022/23 season that he no longer felt "supported" by the club and unceremoniously quit, marking a drastic change of heart after he'd told Gary Neville that he intended to stay there for the long haul. History could now repeat itself for the Leicester manager, who is still in the dark over beyond this summer. Leicester with a 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth last weekend, capping off their return to the Championship. And Van Nistelrooy has vented his frustration at being unable to prepare for the next campaign or pursue new signings, having not yet held discussions with the board over his position and the club's future plans.

The 48-year-old said recently that whether he remains in charge "depends on how the conversations go". When pushed further about his plans for next season, he added: "I still have to wait at least to have a conversation on a future together or not. Before that you cannot start planning. I need to speak to be able to get a feeling on hopes. It's all dependent on that."

There has been widespread speculation this month that Van Nistelrooy will be sacked and replaced by former Southampton manager Russell Martin. Despite having two years remaining on his contract, it's believed Leicester are looking to appoint a manager with a proven track record of securing promotion from the Championship, something Martin accomplished with Southampton.

Since taking over from Steve Cooper at the King Power Stadium in late November, Van Nistelrooy has experienced a torrid time, resulting in the team's relegation to the Championship. Leicester were teetering just above the relegation zone when he took the helm but a disastrous spell ensued with the Foxes losing an astonishing 16 out of 18 matches from December to February.

And the same lack of clarity Van Nistelrooy now has over his role is what led him to quit his old job as PSV boss in May 2023. The Dutch giants announced then that Van Nistelrooy would be leaving less than a season after taking charge of the senior side.

The former Netherlands striker declared his exit unexpectedly, having lifted a Johan Cruyff Shield and a TOTO KNVB Beker while being on track for a second-place Eredivisie finish. He had said on not long before: "My ambition, I have to say, that it's here at PSV. I cannot see anything else. This is something I really want to accomplish and build on and get this club back at the highest level, competing for trophies and especially getting back into the ."

PSV at the time addressed the decision by alluding to his falling out with the board, releasing a statement which read: "Van Nistelrooy told the first-team squad and coaching staff that he would be stepping down with immediate effect, due to a lack of support within the club. PSV regrets his decision and is grateful to him for winning the Johan Cruijff Shield and the Dutch Cup, and hopes to finish the season in second place."

Van Nistelrooy made his return to Old Trafford a year later to serve as Erik ten Hag's assistant for the 2024/25 season. However, after a lacklustre start, Ten Hag was sacked, allowing Van Nistelrooy to take up the role of interim manager.

He was told his services were no longer required by the club's incoming permanent head coach, Ruben Amorim, on the basis that the Portuguese was bringing his own staff with him to Old Trafford. The former Netherlands striker was left feeling "disappointed" and "hurt" to have to leave.

Meanwhile, Van Nistelrooy's potential successor, Martin, was sacked by the Saints in December and just 16 games into the Premier League season, having overseen an astonishing 13 defeats. Martin has also been touted for the vacant managerial position at Rangers.