Robbie Savage’s one-word verdict as Leicester City close in on Ruud van Nistelrooy

Leicester City are expected to appoint former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy as their new manager soon

Former Leicester City midfielder Robbie Savage has insisted Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy is a ‘gamble’ to replace Steve Cooper.

The Foxes sacked the ex-Nottingham Forest manager on Sunday following a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea in the Premier League. That loss left Leicester just a point above the drop zone ahead of Saturday’s trip to Brentford.

First-team coach Ben Dawson will be in the dugout at the Gtech Community Stadium this weekend but Van Nistelrooy’s appointment is expected soon. The former United interim manager is believed to be in advanced talks with City which would cement a quick return to Premier League football for the Dutchman.

Van Nistelrooy does have experience of permanent management having been PSV Eindhoven’s head coach but despite that, Savage believes his appointment is a risk. “I didn’t get an interview considering I am one of the best managers in world football right now,” the ex-Leicester man joked on TNT Sports.

“I would have gone 3-4-3 been aggressive and scored loads of goals for them. But listen, it is a gamble.

“Are Leicester going to stay up? I thought it was harsh on Steve Cooper 16th in the Premier League, would he have kept them up? Who knows.

“But, Ruud played against them twice and won two games here, one in the cup and one in the league, maybe they have looked at that. He is a huge name and good luck to him but I think it’s a gamble.”

All eyes are on King Power to make an official announcement on Van Nistelrooy. If he is to be appointed this week, his first game in charge could come on Tuesday, December 3 when West Ham United visit the East Midlands.