In November, the former Manchester United striker was handed the reins to replace Steve Cooper, who had been sacked after just 12 games in charge. There were questions over Cooper’s appointment and his swift removal, but the abject failure of Van Nistelrooy’s tenure places more criticism at the door of the club hierarchy.

Ruud van Nistelrooy has left Leicester City after months of speculation over his future, the Dutchman parting with the club just six weeks before the new Championship season