Manuel Pellegrini, the odds-on favourite to be Manchester City’s next manager, is being tipped for success with the Blues ‒ by United icon Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Dutch striker van Nistelrooy banged in 150 goals for the Red Devils in just 219 games, and twice worked with Pellegrini, at Real Madrid and Malaga, after leaving Old Trafford.
And despite his United allegiance the 36-year-old, now retired, believes Pellegrini’s track record proves he will be successful at the Etihad Stadium.
“He can create a structure and culture at the club whereby things get better,” he told reporters after starring in this weekend’s Manchester United versus Real Madrid legends match.
“I can only talk from my own experience, half a season under him at Madrid and the last season of my career at Malaga.
“But the experience was really good and on a professional level and a personal level I rate him very highly.”
Pellegrini admitted last week he is holding talks with City having left Malaga with his contract up after their La Liga season ended at the weekend.
He is expected to be announced as the Blues’ new boss within the next fortnight and van Nistelrooy believes the 59-year-old’s experience will prove key.
“I don’t know what his plans are for City, I only know the way he has worked in the past,” the Dutchman added. “I know him as a person and, for me, he’s up there with the best.
“He dealt with the expectation at Madrid. He got a record number of points for them in the season he was there.
“I think he’s used to expectation and the fact is he’s got so much experience over the years, so I don’t think the pressure will be a problem for him.
“I think with the squad City have and with him in charge ‒ he will maybe need a bit of time ‒ but I think they will do well.”
Picture courtesy of Paul Blank, via Wiki Commons, with thanks.
For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.
