Manchester United stars ‘desperate for Ruud van Nistelrooy to stay at the club’
The former United striker returned to Old Trafford in the summer as part of Erik ten Hag's coaching staff
Ruud van Nistelrooy has only been interim manager at Manchester United for four days, but he has already made a significant impact on the squad.
Reports suggest that Red Devils players are ‘desperate for him to stay on as assistant coach’ under new boss Ruben Amorim.
The former United striker returned to Old Trafford in the summer as part of Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff.
Following the Dutchman’s dismissal this week, Ruud van Nistelrooy stepped up as caretaker manager.
In his debut match on Wednesday, the interim coach guided the Red Devils to a thrilling 5-2 victory over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup, with Bruno Fernandes scoring twice.
With Amorim confirmed as ten Hag’s successor today, and set to arrive from Sporting Lisbon on November 11, speculation is mounting about van Nistelrooy’s future as an assistant coach.
According to The Sun, the squad at Old Trafford is firmly in favor of the 48-year-old continuing in his role.
A source told the paper: “The players all really really want Ruud to stay on and have made their feelings clear internally that they believe he should remain at the club, even if and when Amorim takes over as boss.
“To a man, they all like him and get on with him and they also respect him because they know he undertands what it’s like to play for United and the pressures that come with it.
“They are hopeful that he stays involved in the setup.”
Ruud van Nistelrooy shared his ‘mixed emotions’ regarding Erik ten Hag’s dismissal and his appointment as interim head coach ahead of the cup tie with Leicester.
He said: “Erik ten Hag brought me back to Manchester United in the summer and, 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.
“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. I promise that I will continue to give my all, in whatever capacity, to try and turn around our fortunes.
“Despite our results, I am loving being back at Old Trafford and working with the team and staff every day. 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. 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.”
Today, the club announced that Ruben Amorim will be the next manager of the Red Devils, following a swift decision by the hierarchy to find a replacement for Erik ten Hag.
The Portuguese coach will join on a two-and-a-half-year deal, with an option for the club to extend his contract for an additional 12 months if they choose.
Read more: Jamie Carragher reveals why Liverpool moved for Arne Slot instead of Ruben Amorim
Manchester United confirm Ruben Amorim as new head coach
Why Lucas Paqueta will miss West Ham match against Leicester City in December
