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.

LONDON — Ruud van Nistelrooy has agreed to terminate his contract as coach of Leicester, the English club said Friday. The former Netherlands striker took over Leicester in November last year on a contract through June 2027, but he couldn’t prevent relegation as the team finished the Premier League in 18th place.