Ruud van Nistelrooy has denied he was shocked by Leicester’s lack of transfer activity and says they had to abud by “restrictions”.
The struggling Foxes were only able to bring player in during the January transfer window, with defender Woyo Coulibaly arriving from Parma for £3million.
Van Nistelrooy has named teenagers Jeremy Monga, 15, and Jake Evans, 16, in his squad to face Manchester United in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday.
Leicester, who are currently 18th in the Premier League, have PSR concerns to ensure they comply with spending limits, meaning they were not in a position to spend large sums of money.
Loan moves in January were also difficult due to rules stopping them from domestic loans due to loanees Facundo Buonanotte and Odsonne Edouard, who signed last summer.
Palace striker Edouard has featured four times all season while Buonanotte has started only three times since Van Nistelrooy was appointed.
“The reality is not always as you wish,” said the Dutch manager. “I was part of the picture and the communication so it didn’t come as a surprise, the development from November to the end January, reality set in.
“What we have to deal with, the opportunity and restrictions go hand in hand.
“The idea was that there were certain possibilities, but when the numbers came on the table they were different. We had to reassess, look at possibilities within that framework.
“We weren’t able to get them. Simple fact. That is the reality. We tried but the focus was on impact players to strengthen the squad. We did with Coulibaly, we were able to strengthen, but other possibilities weren’t possible.
“I am quite pragmatic, get on with it, get the most out of what we have, there is young talent.”
Leicester select 15 and 16-year-old in FA Cup squad
Shots away, Jake 💥 pic.twitter.com/3R9l1IeWpJ
— Leicester City (@LCFC) February 6, 2025
Van Nistelrooy’s decision to select teenage duo Monga and Evans has raised eyebrows but the Foxes boss believes the cup competion is a good chance to give the youngsters some experience.
Van Nistelrooy said: “The FA Cup is also fantastic to add young players into my squad, a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old – they’re going to be part of the squad, on the bench tomorrow,” he said.
“It’s an occasion where these things can happen, opportunities for players.
“The moment I came, coming from the Netherlands, it’s a country where you develop players and they sign for teams in the bigger leagues.
“In my time in PSV, it was great to be part of the development of Cody Gakpo, Noni Madueke, Xavi Simons, Jarrad Branthwaite, Johan Bakayoko, Ismael Saibari – it’s fantastic as a manager, working with these lads.”
FA Cup a welcome distraction
Leicester have lost eight of their last nine Premier League games but can put their poor league form to one side on Friday when they visit Old Trafford, before returning to league action against Arsenal next weekend.
On whether Friday’s clash is welcome or a distraction, Van Nistelrooy said: “It’s always welcome. We’ll do everything possible to be at our best and it’s never a distraction.
“To play in this cup is a privilege and we want to show what we’re about in a fantastic away game at Old Trafford.
“These games are more than welcome. It’s a dream for every player to play there.”
Old Trafford return
Former United striker Van Nistelrooy returns to Old Trafford for the first time as an opposing manager, having overseen four games as interim boss following Erik ten Hag’s sacking earlier this season.
“It’s special to go back there. I have history as a player, as an assistant, as a caretaker,” he added.
“My focus is on my players and my team, to get the best out of them and to show what we’re about, in the fight and in the spirit.”