‘Saddened’ interim manager says Manchester United ‘can be unstoppable’

Ruud van Nistelrooy says he has a “huge” number of “mixed emotions” as the Manchester United legend stands in for sacked manager Erik ten Hag, who appointed him as one of his assistants in July.

Ten Hag was axed on Monday following a dismal start to his third season in charge, with the likes of former United captain Rio Ferdinand backing former Red Devils striker Van Nistelrooy to revive a team on a run of one win in eight matches.

Van Nistelrooy will take interim charge for the Carabao Cup tie at home to Leicester City on Tuesday (7.45pm GMT), although Sporting manager Ruben Amorim is the heavy favourite to be made permanent manager after the Portuguese club announced on Tuesday that United are willing to pay his £8.3 million release clause.

As Ruud van Nistelrooy prepares to take charge of Man Utd as interim manager, let’s take a look back at some of his best goals from his time as a striker at Old Trafford 🎯 pic.twitter.com/P8HHgX0MyU

— Premier League (@premierleague) October 28, 2024

Erik ten Hag: Van Nistelrooy ‘grateful’

“While I have only been part of the coaching staff here for a few months, I will always be grateful to him for giving me the opportunity, and I am saddened to see him leave,” Van Nistelrooy told United about Ten Hag.

“When I returned in the summer as Erik’s assistant, it was because I believe that Manchester United can climb back to the levels that I knew here as a player. I still have that belief but it will take time and a lot of hard work.

“We’ve seen the squad’s potential at times this season but clearly not often enough. Now is the time for everyone at the club to work together, give everything and turn this season around while we have time.”

Ruud van Nistelrooy was disliked by some at Man Utd when he left in 2006. It’s been a long road back for him to become interim manager.
And here’s where it started…
(from Sir Alex Ferguson’s autobiography) pic.twitter.com/ZVFBnVF8Nu

— Paul Hayward (@_PaulHayward) October 30, 2024

Van Nistelrooy record

Van Nistelrooy won the 2002-03 Premier League and Golden Boot during his time as a player at Old Trafford between 2001 and 2006, as well as the 2003-04 FA Cup and 2004-05 League Cup.

Now 48, Van Nistelrooy’s only previous senior managerial job came at PSV, leading the Dutch side to second in the Eredivisie and KNVB Cup glory in 2022-23 before resigning a year into his three-contract, citing a lack of support from the club.

Amorim said on Tuesday that he has not made a decision over whether to join United, while reports have suggested that his appointment is being delayed because of compensation negotiations for his backroom staff.

Should Amorim stay with the Portuguese leaders, Van Nistelrooy will be one of the frontrunners to succeed Ten Hag permanently.

🗣️ “The solution to Manchester United is already there”

👀 After the sacking of Erik ten Hag, @GuillemBalague says new interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy should be given the reins full time – amid rumours the club admires former Barcelona boss Xavi. pic.twitter.com/bVCmDITlXo

— BBC Radio 5 Live (@bbc5live) October 28, 2024

Next Man United manager: Van Nistelrooy ‘honoured’

“Even on an interim basis, it is a great honour to manage the club I love for however long I am asked to do so,” added the ex-Netherlands international.

“I can promise that I will continue to give my all, in whatever capacity, to try to turn around our fortunes. Now is the time for everyone at the club to work together, give everything and turn this season around while we have time.

“From my experiences as both a player and a coach here, I can say for sure that when players, staff and supporters pull together, Manchester United can be unstoppable.

“Thankfully, we have time on our side and with fixtures coming so regularly now, we also have plenty of opportunities to build up some positive momentum, starting with… the Carabao Cup. The first step is to restore the winning habit, starting at Old Trafford.”

United are 14th in the Premier League and host fifth-placed Chelsea in the top flight on Sunday (4.30pm).