Ruud van Nistelrooy Competing with Former Club Manchester United to Sign Nine-Goal Striker for Leicester City – Journalist

Before joining Leicester City, Ruud van Nistelrooy began the 2024/25 season as part of Manchester United’s coaching staff.

The former striker returned to Old Trafford during the summer to work under Erik Ten Hag.

When Ten Hag departed, Van Nistelrooy temporarily took charge of the team.

During his brief tenure, he led Manchester United to victories over Leicester City in both the Premier League and Carabao Cup.

As the winter transfer window approaches, connections between Manchester United and Leicester continue to surface.

Manchester United has been scouting Leicester’s goalkeeper, Mads Hermansen, while reports suggest Leicester target Toby Collyer is open to leaving Old Trafford in January.

Ruud van Nistelrooy and Manchester United Competing for Francesco Pio Esposito

Van Nistelrooy has expressed plans to use his connections to bolster Leicester’s squad during the 2025 winter transfer window.

However, one of those connections now sees him competing with his former club for Inter Milan’s young striker Francesco Pio Esposito, currently on loan at Spezia Calcio.

Journalist Alfredo Pedullà reports that Esposito aims to establish himself in Inter Milan’s senior team, but both Manchester United and Leicester City are closely monitoring his progress.

Who is Francesco Pio Esposito?

Esposito, a product of Inter Milan’s academy, has excelled at every level of youth football.

Loaned to Spezia in August 2023, he struggled in his first season, scoring only three goals in 38 Serie B appearances.

However, the 19-year-old has made significant strides this term, netting nine goals and one assist in just 18 league matches.

Esposito is also making waves on the international stage, scoring seven goals in 11 appearances for Italy’s U21 team and winning the U19 European Championship in 2023.

He remains a promising talent on the radar of major clubs.