“I’m here to serve” - Ruud van Nistelrooy sheds light on future after 5-2 win amid Manchester United talks to appoint Ruben Amorim
Manchester United interim coach Ruud van Nistelrooy has expressed his desire to help the Red Devils in whichever way possible. The Dutchman made the claim amid rumors linking Sporting CP coach Ruben Amorim with a move to Old Trafford on a long-term deal.
Van Nistelrooy was appointed as an assistant manager in a mass reshuffling of Erik ten Hag's backroom staff at the start of the 2024-25 season. Following the Red Devils' horror start to the campaign, the 54-year-old was sacked on Monday (October 28), with van Nistelrooy being named the caretaker manager.
His first game in charge went swimmingly, with his side dominating Leicester City en route to a 5-2 win in the Round of 16 of the EFL Cup on Wednesday (October 30). Speaking after the game, he addressed the rumors surrounding Amorim and elaborated on his plans for the future if the Portuguese tactician signs on the dotted lines.
Van Nistelrooy said (via The Hindu):
"I came in as an assistant to help the club and now in this role I’m helping as long as I’m needed and in the future in any capacity. I'm here to help, I'm here to serve, I'm here to give my everything for the club in any capacity, with so many people around me that want the best for the club and that will never change."
Van Nistelrooy, who was widely regarded as one of the best strikers of his generation, spent five years at United during his playing career (2001-06). He racked up 150 goals and 30 assists in 219 games for the club, winning a Premier League Golden Boot and three Champions League Golden Boots.
Multiple reports have claimed that Amorim will be hired before Manchester United's mouth-watering Premier League clash against Chelsea on Saturday (November 3).
"This club is building and continuing to fight" - Ruud van Nistelrooy makes claim after Manchester United's EFL Cup win vs Leicester City
Manchester United interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy said the days after Erik ten Hag's sacking have been tough for the club. The 48-year-old praised the players' mentality and the will to fight.
Speaking to the club website after the 5-2 thrashing of Leicester City in the Round of 16 of the EFL Cup (October 30), Van Nistelrooy said:
"Of course, I was sad to see Erik (ten Hag) go. He was the one that got me here. On the day it got announced, it was difficult for them and every one of us.... As coaching staff, we prepared the players and I have to say they were fantastic today. Credit to the team, they pulled off a great performance today, after difficult moments."
"We promised to fight for the 75,000 fans and the millions at home watching and supporting United. For them, we wanted to show up, show this club is building and continuing to fight and never stop. That's what it is about," Van Nistelrooy added.
Following their win against Leicester, Manchester United have been drawn up against Tottenham Hotspur in the quarterfinal of the EFL Cup (December 17).