Martin Keown Suggests Old Rival Ruud Van Nistelrooy Is ‘Waiting’ For Erik Ten Hag To Be Sacked So That He Can Become Manchester United Manager

Martin Keown has reignited his feud with former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, suggesting that the Dutchman is “waiting” for Erik ten Hag to be sacked.

Keown Suggests Van Nistelrooy Is ‘Waiting’ For Ten Hag To Be Sacked

Van Nistelrooy, who was brought in as Ten Hag’s assistant coach over the summer, has been unable to help improve United’s fortunes.

The Red Devils have continued to struggle this season, and their recent 3-0 defeat to Tottenham has raised further questions about Ten Hag’s future.

Keown, who has a long-standing rivalry with Van Nistelrooy dating back to their playing days, has now accused the Dutchman of not being fully committed to the team.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Keown said, “I’m looking at Van Nistelrooy. Is he giving everything to this manager? This manager looks very lonely on the sideline.”

The Arsenal legend also questioned whether Van Nistelrooy was hoping to take over from Ten Hag at United. “Is Van Nistelrooy waiting to take over? Because it looks as if there’s going to be change taking place there,” he added.

Keown’s comments are likely to further fuel the speculation surrounding Ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford. The Red Devils are reportedly willing to give the Dutchman a few more games to turn things around, but if results do not improve, he could be facing the sack.

Keown vs Van Nistelrooy: Battle of Old Trafford Resurfaces

The rivalry between Keown and Van Nistelrooy dates back to their playing days at Arsenal and Manchester United, respectively.

In 2003, the two players were involved in a heated altercation during a match between the two teams, which became known as the “Battle of Old Trafford.”

Keown was fined £20,000 and banned for three games for his role in the incident. However, he has never forgotten the confrontation and has continued to take digs at Van Nistelrooy over the years.

The former Arsenal defender’s latest comments are a reminder of the bitter rivalry that exists between the two clubs.

While Van Nistelrooy may be hoping to help United succeed as a coach, Keown appears to be relishing the opportunity to take a swipe at his old nemesis.