Five managers who could replace Ruud van Nistelrooy at Leicester City

With Ruud van Nistelrooy facing an uncertain future at Leicester City, we've looked at five managerial candidates who could replace the Dutchman at the King Power Stadium.

Tasked with keeping the Foxes in the Premier League when appointed in November, Van Nistelrooy has endured a miserable stint in the Midlands with a return of just eight points from his 20 matches in charge.

Leicester's pending relegation was finally confirmed following a 1-0 defeat at home to champions-elect Liverpool and Van Nistelrooy's job is consequentially at risk.

As the former Premier League champions commence preparations for their return to the Championship, we've looked at the coaches who will be in the frame to take over should the Foxes decide to relieve Van Nistelrooy of his duties.

Gary O'Neil

Gary O'Neil has been out of work since Wolves decided to part company with the former Middlesbrough and West Ham midfielder in December 2024.

The 41-year-old performed admirably in his first permanent managerial role at Bournemouth as he guided the Cherries to Premier League safety before his acrimonious departure opened the door to Wolves.

Despite the loss of key personnel, O'Neil steered the Midlands club to a 14th-placed finish but was unable to build on the foundations he'd set in his maiden campaign.

With a point to prove following his latest dismissal, O'Neil is an individual who can foster a harmonious, confidence-lifting atmosphere that Leicester require as they look to pick themselves up from a dismal season.

Russell Martin

Another unattached managerial candidate, Russell Martin knows all too well of the difficulties Van Nistelrooy's encountered this season.

Choreographing Southampton's promotion to the Premier League with a possession-oriented style, Martin was criticised for his reluctance to deviate from his ball-retention principles as the Saints struggled in the top-flight.

Leicester sacrificed this style by naming Steve Cooper as Enzo Maresca's successor and although they attempted to repursue their identity with the hiring of Van Nistelrooy, the damage was irreversible.

With a promotion under his belt and an attractive playbook, Martin certainly fits Leicester's criteria.

Danny Rohl

Danny Rohl has worked wonders at Sheffield Wednesday and the German's tactical adaptability has come to the fore during his stint at Hillsborough.

Despite leading the Owls to safety against all odds and consolidating their position in the Championship, his versatility has arguably come to his detriment when it comes to being in the conversation for jobs elsewhere.

Rohl diverted away from his possession principles to find solutions to Wednesday's flaws. It would be fascinating to see if his style alters at another club with greater resources which Leicester can certainly provide.

Linked with the vacancy at RB Leipzig, one major drawback to Rohl is the reported compensation fee required to prise him from S6.

• Ruud van Nistelrooy pays tribute to 'irreplaceable' Jamie Vardy

Liam Rosenior

Liam Rosenior has responded to his Hull City sacking in emphatic fashion as he leads Strasbourg's charge for European football.

Failure to fulfil Acun Ilicali's lofty expectations cost Rosenior his job, but the former defender still performed admirably during his stint with the Tigers and Rosenior has now gone on to broaden his repertoire in Ligue 1.

Entrusting young players with his methods, Rosenior's Strasbourg have a discernible high-intensity style and yet he's been able to make adjustments over the season which have ensured his side are tough to break down.

It remains to be seen whether the former Fulham and Hull defender would want to depart his exciting project in France, but the opportunity to spear Leicester's major rebuild is certainly an enticing proposition.

Sean Dyche

If Leicester are seeking a manager with proven managerial credentials and a promotion-winning CV, they won't find many who fit that criteria better than Sean Dyche.

The 53-year-old was sacked by Everton at the start of the year and while his limitations were evident towards the end of his Toffees tenure, Dyche has invaluable experience at hauling teams out of the Championship and consolidating them in the Premier League.

An appointment of Dyche's nature would see another style swerve from Leicester but with Profitability and Sustainability rules lingering in the background at the King Power, the former Burnley boss is a safe pair of hands when navigating choppy waters.