Ruud van Nistelrooy set for media duties for Manchester United vs Chelsea amid Ruben Amorim start date talks
Ruud van Nistelrooy will oversee Manchester United's media duties for their clash with Chelsea despite suggestions Ruben Amorim could be in charge for that game. The Dutch coach has been appointed as the Red Devils' interim manager after Erik ten Hag's sacking on Monday (October 28).
Van Nistelrooy will handle United's media duties for the Premier League encounter with the Blues, per BBC Sport's Simon Stone. This includes a scheduled pre-match press conference on Thursday afternoon.
This suggests Van Nistelrooy will still be in charge on Sunday (November 3) when United face Chelsea. He's overseeing the team's Carabao Cup Round of 16 tie against Leicester City tonight (October 30).
Manchester United continue to hold talks with dating CP over Amorim, who's been identified as their choice to succeed Ten Hag permanently. The Liga Portugal giants announced that the Reds had informed them they intended to trigger his £8.2 million release clause.
According to GiveMeSport's Ben Jacobs, Ruben Amorim has left the two clubs to discuss negotiations, including deciding on a start date. He also wants to bring his backroom staff to Old Trafford, which could delay the appointment.
The Portuguese coach spoke after Sporting CP's 3-1 win against Nacional in the Taca da Liga quarterfinals on Tuesday. He confirmed Manchester United's interest but was adamant nothing had been decided.
Van Nistelrooy is likely to leave Manchester United once Ruben Amorim arrives: Reports
Van Nistelrooy returned to Manchester United in the summer, joining Ten Hag's backroom staff. He was visible alongside the former Red Devils manager on the touchline and in the dugout.
The Dutchman's contract with United expires in 2026. The Telegraph reports that he may depart once Ruben Amorim is confirmed as Ten Hag's successor.
Van Nistelrooy touched on his return to Old Trafford in his address to fans upon his interim role. 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."
Van Nistelrooy will take charge of the Red Devils' encounter with Leicester tonight. He has experience as a first-team manager from a short spell in the Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven. He might still be in the dugout for his former playing club in one of English football's high-profile games against Chelsea this weekend.