Coach credits himself with helping Manchester United icon – Clearly impressed with himself

Any Manchester United fan will know that René Meulensteen has big opinions. Including opinions of himself and his importance.

And his latest interview with ELF Voetbal is unlikely to change that any time soon. He’s been speaking to them this week, and it seems he credits himself with a major impact on Manchester United stars of the past.

Meulensteen was a first-team coach at Manchester United from 2007 to 2013. He had previously been a Youth Technical Skills Development Coach at the club from 2001 to 2006.

That meant he was a key part of a very successful period under Sir Alex Ferguson. Indeed, Meulensteen won 14 major trophies during his time at Old Trafford.

It also saw him working with Manchester United greats, such as Ruud van Nistelrooy. And he credits himself with helping the Dutch striker improve his movement.

Manchester United impact hyped

“In 2002, Martin Ferguson, Alex’s brother, who worked as a scout, approached me,” he said.

“He asked if I’d be interested in taking on Diego Forlán. He was strong, fast, and could shoot with equal power with his left and right foot, but he lacked the movement to free himself.

“I mainly worked with the youth players in the evenings, so I was happy to take on that challenge with Forlán. It turned out very well.

“I was getting more and more players who wanted to do something extra, like Cristiano Ronaldo. I helped Ruud van Nistelrooy with his movements that led to finishing.”

This was all noted by Sir Alex Ferguson, who later handed Meulensteen the role as Reserve Team Manager. That was opened up after Ricky Sbragia left for Bolton Wanderers in 2005.

Among the notable names in that group were Gerard Pique, who would later go on to great success at Barcelona. But not before a treble under Meulensteen first.

“Players like Gerard Piqué, Giuseppe Rossi, and Fraizer Campbell were there. The mission succeeded, resulting in the Reserves winning the treble,” he added.