What Ruud van Nistelrooy said about Jarrad Branthwaite ahead of possible Manchester United reunion

Ruud van Nistelrooy could be reunited with Jarrad Branthwaite if everything goes according to plan for Manchester United in the coming weeks.

United are still working on a deal to bring top defensive target Branthwaite to Old Trafford, while they are also in talks with club legend Van Nistelrooy about a potential return to Manchester.

ManchesterWorld revealed United are prioritising a new deal for Erik ten Hag above any additions to the coaching team this summer, but the interest in former striker Van Nistelrooy is hard to ignore at this moment in time.

The 47-year-old is not only popular because of his exploits across five seasons with the club, but also because he could theoretically give them an added advantage in bringing Branthwaite to the club.

It was during a loan-spell under the guidance of Van Nistelrooy at PSV Eindhoven that the Everton defender's career really took-off, as he made 36 appearances in all competitions and was a key part of the side that won the KNVB Cup.

Van Nistelrooy was clearly a fan of the centre-back as well, even labelling him a 'complete defender' during their time together in the Eredivisie.

"He is a great talent," he said previously. "The boy is young, but he has a future. He is good on the ball, can play on the left or the right of centre-back because he is two-footed. He has height and speed, so he is very complete."