What Ruud van Nistelrooy did on the touchline against Brentford shows he’s playing with fire now, the Man Utd legend is willing to risk it all

Manchester United were on the back foot before the break after Ethan Pinnock fired Brentford into the lead from a corner in first-half stoppage time.

The Red Devils were furious after Matthijs de Ligt was forced off the pitch for treatment on a head injury, with United reduced to 10 men for the Brentford corner.

However, Erik ten Hag’s side hit back in the second half and Alejandro Garnacho canceled out Ethan Pinnock’s opener just two minutes after the break.

Rasmus Hojlund then scored United’s winner in the 62nd minute, with the Red Devils securing all three points in their first meeting since the international break since October.

READ MORE: Antony sends mysterious 15-word message after Man Utd win against Brentford, Erik ten Hag should take note immediately

Van Nistelrooy’s reaction spoke volumes

Ruud van Nistelrooy made his sensational return to Old Trafford in the summer after taking a place in Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff at Manchester United.

The 48-year-old Dutchman became assistant manager at Ten Hag alongside Rene Hake, who took up the same role as Van Nistelrooy in the summer.

Footage emerged on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, of the reactions of Matthijs de Ligt and Van Nistelrooy after United conceded.

A furious De Ligt turned away from his treatment and flicked the ball wide after Brentford scored from the corner, with the United star making his feelings known.

The footage also captured a furious Van Nistelrooy confronting fourth official Gavin Ward and appearing visibly incensed by the decision to send off De Ligt.

READ MORE: What Rasmus Hojlund said after Brentford win shows Erik ten Hag must implement it against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce

Van Nistelrooy’s stats prove the intent

Van Nistelrooy was booked for his behavior on the touchline at Old Trafford, while United manager Ten Hag was booked for dissent.

The legendary former United striker has made it clear that he will be an active presence on the touchline, which is reinforced by one key statistic.

Fabrizio Romano published that Van Nistelrooy received just 22 yellow cards during his legendary playing career at United under Sir Alex Ferguson.

However, the United assistant manager has already picked up two yellow cards just months into his tenure as one of Ten Hag’s two right-backs.

“Ruud van Nistelrooy received 22 yellow cards during his four-season playing career at Old Trafford…” Romano wrote on Facebook.

He added: “…Since returning to Man United as assistant manager, he’s already got two.”

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