Forgotten ex-Premier League star invited to coach at Man Utd thanks to little-known Red Devils link | The Sun
PREMIER LEAGUE cult hero Bryan Ruiz has been invited to coach at Manchester United as he looks to gain work experience before entering football management.
Ruiz spent four years at Craven Cottage following a move from FC Twente in 2011.
The winger was known for his mercurial qualities which included an excellent first touch and an eye for a pass.
He would make 107 appearances for the Cottagers before returning to Costa Rica to play for LD Alajuelense.
Ruiz only retired last year, after playing in the Qatar 2022 World Cup at the age of 37.
His surprise coaching move to Manchester United is a result of crossing paths with United assistant Steve McLaren when he was playing at FC Twente.
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Ruiz played a starring role in the Twente side that won the title under McLaren in 2010 – which earned him his transfer to the Premier League.
The former Costa Rican playmaker has already made his first moves in coaching, as he is now the head coach of Alajuelense's U-17 side.
Ruiz was back in Twente over the weekend for Wout Brama's farewell game, which Ten Hag also attended.
It was here that Ruiz received the invitation to gain some experience at Carrington.
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Speaking to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf after the game, Ruiz said: "I keep myself fit.
"I go to the gym, I play tennis and padel. The first six months after I stopped, I took completely time off and only spent time with my family. Now I have started as a trainer for the U17 of Deportivo Alajuelense.
"To find out whether I am good at being a trainer and also whether I enjoy it enough. I have now received an invitation to come and see Steve McClaren and Erik ten Hag at Manchester United. Those are fun things to do."
Ruiz scored a backheel as FC Twente's 2010 league winning side drew 2-2 with Brama's All-Star side on Friday evening.
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