- Title: Maresca looking forward to van Nistelrooy reunion
- Date: 1st November 2024
- Summary: STOKE D'ABERNON, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM (FILE - OCTOBER 2, 2024) (REUTERS) CHELSEA FORWARD, JOAO FELIX, BALL JUGGLING PALMER SQUAD WARMING UP
- Embargoed: 15th November 2024 16:09
- Keywords: Chelsea Enzo Maresca Manchester United Ruud van Nistelrooy
- Location: STOKE D'ABERNON, NEAR LONDON, ENGLAND, UK
- City: STOKE D'ABERNON, NEAR LONDON, ENGLAND, UK
- Country: UK
- Topics: Europe,Soccer,Sport
- Reuters ID: LVA006635701112024RP1
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is looking forward to a reunion with Manchester United interim coach Ruud van Nistelrooy on Sunday (November 3) when the two teams meet in the Premier League.
The pair played together at Malaga in the 2011/12 season where the Dutch striker ended his illustrious career.
Van Nistelrooy was appointed interim manager of the Red Devils until Ruben Amorim reportedly leaves Portuguese side Sporting and takes the reins at Old Trafford after November's international break.
The post-Ten Hag era got off to a victorious start on Wednesday as van Nistelrooy, who scored 150 goals for United as a player, oversaw an entertaining 5-2 victory over struggling Leicester City in the League Cup.
A rejuvenated Chelsea, however, represent a much bigger challenge for Ruud's reds.
Under new manager Enzo Maresca, a young squad have given the Stamford Bridge faithful a glimmer of hope that the London club can return to the Champions League.
Led by the imperious Cole Palmer, who has seven league goals and five assists this season, they sit fifth in the table.
Maresca will be hoping his side return to winning ways after Newcastle United took revenge for last weekend's league loss by dumping them out of the League Cup, a game Palmer was rested for.
The Blues will also be desperate to improve their woeful record against United -- who have lost to Chelsea only once in the last 13 Premier League games.
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