Leicester City fans rally behind Ruud van Nistelrooy as calls to sack Steve Cooper grow

Leicester City suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Manchester United on Saturday, extending their winless streak across all competitions to four games.

The performance was lackluster, with left-back Victor Kristiansen among those criticized, and many fans voiced frustration, calling for manager Steve Cooper to be dismissed following the loss.

Cooper’s appointment in the summer had already been a controversial decision among supporters, as he did not align with their preference for a more attacking and expansive style of play.

Instead, fans have accused him of adopting an overly defensive approach, and his tenure has yet to inspire much confidence.

The situation might have turned out differently for Leicester had they succeeded in securing one of their other managerial targets.

Before Cooper’s appointment, the club had reportedly considered several alternatives, including Ruud van Nistelrooy, as potential replacements for Enzo Maresca, who departed for Chelsea over the summer.

According to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Leicester had explored the possibility of bringing in van Nistelrooy, the former Manchester United striker.

Van Nistelrooy had previously managed PSV Eindhoven, where he won the Dutch Cup, and also served as an assistant to Guus Hiddink with the Netherlands national team.

Despite interest from Leicester and other clubs, van Nistelrooy ultimately joined Manchester United as an assistant coach on a two-year deal last July.

In October, van Nistelrooy took on a temporary managerial role at United after Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, leading the team to three victories in four games.

However, he was recently asked to leave the club to make way for Ruben Amorim and his staff, sparking renewed discussions among Leicester supporters about the possibility of him taking over at King Power Stadium.

Following his departure from Manchester United, many Leicester fans have expressed their desire for van Nistelrooy to replace Cooper.

Comments from supporters show enthusiasm for the potential change, with one fan saying, “Cooper out, Ruud in? I wouldn’t say no,” while another simply added, “Ruud IN.”

There is also excitement around the idea of van Nistelrooy working with Leicester striker Jamie Vardy, who famously broke van Nistelrooy’s record for most consecutive goals in Premier League games in 2015.

Another supporter pointed out, “Van Nistelrooy has shown more competence and tactical knowledge in 2 games than Cooper has done in 11,” emphasizing the growing frustration with Cooper’s approach.

One fan, considering van Nistelrooy’s candidacy, stated, “I’m now a YES” on the prospect of him taking over as manager.

Van Nistelrooy’s brief stint in charge at Manchester United was met with positive reviews, but it remains uncertain whether Leicester’s management will see enough potential to replace Cooper with the Dutchman.

While his time at Old Trafford was short, his ability to inspire confidence in players and fans alike could make him an attractive candidate should Leicester decide to make a change at the managerial level.