‘Develop The Structures In Place’ – Van Nistelrooy Briefs Man Utd Test

Next Match | Saturday 18 April Sat 18 Apr

POR

(A)

00 D

18 H

39 M

10 S

Interviews & Features

Heritage

Photos

‘Develop The Structures In Place’ – Van Nistelrooy Briefs Man Utd Test

Ruud van Nistelrooy hopes to build on a positive performance at Stamford Bridge as we welcome Manchester United this Sunday.

2025-03-16T06:44+00:00

by Matthew Temple

Published

16 Mar, 2025

from LCFC Training Ground

‘Develop The Structures In Place’ – Van Nistelrooy Briefs Man Utd Test

Ruud van Nistelrooy hopes to build on a positive performance at Stamford Bridge as we welcome Manchester United this Sunday.

Matthew Temple

2025-03-16T06:44+00:00

‘Develop The Structures In Place’ – Van Nistelrooy Briefs Man Utd Test

Ruud van Nistelrooy hopes to build on a positive performance at Stamford Bridge as we welcome Manchester United this Sunday.

Matthew Temple

2025-03-16T06:44+00:00

‘Develop The Structures In Place’ – Van Nistelrooy Briefs Man Utd Test

Ruud van Nistelrooy hopes to build on a positive performance at Stamford Bridge as we welcome Manchester United this Sunday.

Matthew Temple

2025-03-16T06:44+00:00

‘Develop The Structures In Place’ – Van Nistelrooy Briefs Man Utd Test

Ruud van Nistelrooy hopes to build on a positive performance at Stamford Bridge as we welcome Manchester United this Sunday.

Matthew Temple

2025-03-16T06:44+00:00

Ten games remain this Premier League season as the Foxes hope to turn recent fortunes around and spark a survival strategy, starting against the Red Devils this weekend at King Power Stadium.

Speaking during Friday’s press conference in Seagrave, the former Man Utd striker believes the foundations are in place to spark a positive result on Sunday (7pm GMT kick-off).

‘The new structure was positive’

Showcasing a new formation at Chelsea.

Leicester lined up in a five-at-the-back formation against Chelsea last time out, and despite Marc Cucurella’s second-half winner, looked comfortable with the system.

Hinting that we could look similar this weekend, van Nistelrooy admits it is the perfect time to build some momentum, ahead of the international break.

“A positive result would do us really good, that is clear,” he stated. “It is what we took from the Chelsea game and what we’ve worked on this week, to develop the structures that we have put in place.

“Of course, with the break after that, it would be a great boost to go into it with a positive result.

“The recent game against Chelsea and the new structure was a positive and it’s something that we want to build on and develop, especially during a home game on Sunday.

“If you saw us play without any context, you’d say we were a proper team that were giving Chelsea a good game and that is the message we want to leave behind.

“I thought the away support was unbelievable and helped us a lot at Chelsea. It’s also good to emphasise that we have that support and, with our performance, you see what the reaction of the crowd is and will be key on Sunday.”

‘They are a team with momentum’

Thursday's win over Real Sociedad saw Man Utd reach the UEFA Europa League Quarter-Finals.

Man Utd, while 15th in the Premier League standings, do head into the game on good form; undefeated in their last six inside 90 minutes.

Awaiting a fourth meeting between the two sides since October, the Dutchman understands that his former employers have improved over the last few weeks.

“I think it is important to realise we played the cup game away not so long ago,” the Manager continued. “Man Utd are in a better place than when we played them.

“It was a great win for them yesterday (against Real Sociedad) and Bruno [Fernandes] is in great form. They are a team that have got some momentum going.

“It will be the same battle this weekend as it was against Chelsea. Every week in the Premier League you face managers who are well prepared and can change tactics, formations and you have to adapt, so it will be interesting.”

‘The mental approach is important’

Chasing three points this Sunday.

Without a win in seven, and without a home league goal since December, van Nistelrooy didn’t shy away from the topic, but believes the group must stay mentally strong and continue to develop each week in order to right the wrongs.

“As a manager you look at the general development of your team,” the 48-year-old added. “We’re looking for a clean sheet, it’s one of our main targets and is a foundation of a good result.

“I’m as much focused on the centre-backs and us defending as a unit and us attacking as a unit, so my history as a player doesn’t affect how we play.

“We also know we are conceding too many goals and that’s something we want to improve. We need to look at creating more chances and sometimes you need a bit of luck as well.

“It’s knowing from experience that even if you’re in a bad spell, that once you start scoring you can gain confidence and the goals will come.

“The mental approach is important to keep your team motivated and have a clear plan when coming up against your opponent, but we keep pushing and believing to get the maximum out of ourselves.”

LATEST HEADLINES

Vote Now: LCFC End Of Season Awards Our supporters can now vote in a number of categories for our annual Leicester City End of Season Awards.

1 Hour 20 Mins Ago

Abdul Fatawu Nominated For EFL Goal Of The Season Abdul Fatawu’s stunning 65-yard strike in our 3-1 win over Ipswich Town in December has been shortlisted for EFL Goal of the Season.

1 Hour 50 Mins Ago

From The Archives - Arthur Chandler’s Shirt Crests Our all-time record goalscorer, Arthur Chandler, began his professional career at Queens Park Rangers in September 1920.

7 Hours 10 Mins Ago

Rowett: James & Ramsey Assessed Pre-Pompey Gary Rowett revealed that Jordan James and Aaron Ramsey are being monitored prior to our trip to Portsmouth.

16 Apr, 2026