“A great honour” - Ruud van Nistelrooy breaks silence on Manchester United interim role amid Ruben Amorim links
Ruud van Nistelrooy has told Manchester United fans that he will do his best as caretaker manager as Ruben Amorim edges closer to becoming Erik ten Hag's successor. The Red Devils face Leicester City tonight in the Carabao Cup Round of 16.
Van Nistelrooy has been put in charge of United on an interim basis while they seek a Ten Hag replacement. The Dutch coach served as the latter's assistant coach and returned to Old Trafford in the summer.
The iconic former Red Devils striker has spoken about coaching the team he netted 150 goals for in his playing days. He told club media that he was sad to see Ten Hag depart:
"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."
Van Nistelrooy touched on his interim role:
"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 can promise that I will continue to give my all, in whatever capacity, to try to turn around our fortunes."
Manchester United's decision to sack Ten Hag came after a 2-1 loss to West Ham United on Sunday (October 27). Their fourth defeat of the Premier League campaign left them 14th in the table.
Van Nistelrooy joined Ten Hag's backroom staff in the summer as part of an overhaul of the coaching team. Speculation is growing about the Dutchman's future at Old Trafford once a permanent successor is found.
Manchester United officials in Portugal to hold talks with Sporting CP over Ruben Amorim: Reports
Manchester United have chosen Amorim as the man they want to succeed Ten Hag permanently. The Portuguese coach took charge of Sporting CP in a 3-1 win over Nacional in the Taca da Liga quarterfinals.
In his post-match press conference, Amorim gave nothing away about his links to the Red Devils. He said nothing concrete or official about heading to Old Trafford.
Sky Sports reports that key figures are in Lisbon to discuss their pursuit of Amorim with Sporting. They are in advanced talks and are thrashing over the compensation for bringing his backroom staff to United.
The Red Devils have already agreed to pay the £8.3 million release clause in Amorim's contract. Sporting officially announced the intention to pay the release clause for their manager's services.