Only a few weeks after departing Manchester United, Ruud van Nistelrooy is expected to be named Leicester’s new manager. After making an impression in temporary leadership before to Ruben Amorim’s arrival at Old Trafford, the Red Devils legend is expected to make a swift comeback to the Premier League.

After firing Steve Cooper after just 12 league games in charge, Leicester acted quickly. After Nottingham Forest’s 2-1 loss to Chelsea on Saturday, the former manager was fired.

Earlier this week, Van Nistelrooy became the clear favorite to succeed Cooper. He is reportedly ready to sign a contract to join the Foxes, whom he defeated twice during his four games as United’s hotseat.

The 48-year-old has reportedly signed to a two-and-a-half-year contract, which might end any chance of him rejoining United, according to the Mirror. Van Nistelrooy has acknowledged that he hopes to eventually hold the position of permanent manager at his former club.Van Nistelrooy would require a substantial compensation deal from United to leave Leicester if Amorim struggles at Old Trafford during the next two years. During his brief stint in the dugout, the former striker’s tactics are reported to have impressed United’s team.

In the summer, Van Nistelrooy first returned to United as Erik ten Hag’s assistant. After his compatriot was fired in October, he took over as team captain.

During Van Nistelrooy’s interim tenure, United’s performance improved, winning the Carabao Cup 5-2 and defeating Leicester 3-0 in the Premier League. Additionally, there was a 1-1 tie with Chelsea and a 2-0 victory against PAOK in the Europa League.Van Nistelrooy, however, left the United coaching staff after talks with new head coach Amorim came to an end. The only members of Ten Hag’s staff that the Portuguese coach kept were Craig Mawson, Andreas Georgson, and Darren Fletcher. He brought five members of his own backroom staff from Sporting CP.

With just two victories in their first 16 Premier League games, van Nistelrooy has a challenging job at Leicester. The Midlands team is now 16th in the Premier League and hasn’t won since defeating relegation-threatened Southampton 3-2 on October 19.

Cooper replaced Enzo Maresca, who joined Chelsea in the summer after leading Leicester to the Championship title the previous season, however he only played in 12 league games. Following their loss to Chelsea last Saturday, which effectively ended Cooper’s career, owner Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha reportedly chastised the players for pushing through with a Christmas party.