Ruud van Nistelrooy has applied for the vacant Coventry City managerial job, talkSPORT understands.
The Dutchman departed Old Trafford on Monday after being informed that he would not be joining Ruben Amorim’s backroom team at Old Trafford.
Van Nistelrooy, who has managerial experience with PSV Eindhoven under his belt, has signalled his intention to forge a coaching career in English football following his brief interim spell at Manchester United.
The 48-year-old has applied for the role as Coventry City boss to replace another former United striker in Mark Robins.
But Van Nistelrooy could face competition for the job from a former opponent with Frank Lampard also in the frame.
“We’ve received a huge amount of CVs from high-quality people, of which Frank is one,” Coventry owner Doug King said this week.
“We’ve done nothing on that process…but clearly we’re in the international break, we’ll be assessing everything. We’ll work out who’s going to make the shortlist and we’ll go from there.”
The Sky Blues are on the lookout for a new manager after the recent sacking of Robins which came to the surprise of many.
Robins spent seven years at the CBS Arena, steering the club from the depths of League Two to the cusp of the Premier League.
It remains to be seen whether King opts for a high profile successor as he aims to ensure the change does not derail the club’s promotion ambitions.
Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT this week, King says he will take his time in appointing the club’s new manager.
“This is a big moment for the club,” he said. “We’ve had the same manager for over seven years, we’re looking at everything, we want to get this right.
Coventry owner Doug King says he will take his time in appointing Mark Robins’ successor[/caption]
“The fans don’t want us to be a revolving door with managers. The fans and I like stability and a long-term manager.
“I need to take my time with the team to get this right and I know we’ve got this period of two weeks to look at that and move that forward at speed.
“If it takes a little bit longer, it takes a little bit longer but I’ve done it now so we get something sorted into the month of December, allowing the new person to assess what he’s got so that when we come into the [transfer] window we’ve got a little bit more knowledge, depth and understanding of their views alongside our views as to what’s needed to strengthen.
“I’ve changed the trajectory and now it’s on us to appoint, get some stability and allow the new person to drive what I think is a really talented set of players and see what we can do.”
Van Nistelrooy will believe he has momentum on his side following a successful spell as Manchester United interim boss.
The former Red Devils striker took charge of four games in the wake of Erik ten Hag’s sacking last month and quickly brought a feel-good factor back to the club.
Van Nistelrooy oversaw wins over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup and Premier League, a Europa League win at home to PAOK and a 1-1 draw against Chelsea.
