Ruud Van Nistelrooy admits to 'huge amount of mixed emotions' ahead of taking Manchester United hotseat
By Oli Gent
Published 30/10/2024 at 12:33 GMT
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Manchester United interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has spoken of the "mixed emotions" that he is experiencing ahead of his first game in charge since Erik ten Hag's sacking. The former United striker was given the reins on a temporary basis after his compatriot departed on Monday, with United 14th in the Premier League and boasting just four wins in their opening 14 games in all competitions.
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Ruud van Nistelrooy has said that he has “a huge amount of mixed emotions” ahead of his first game in interim charge of Manchester United.
United face Leicester City in the League Cup last 16 at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening, with their next Premier League outing the visit of Chelsea on Sunday.
The Dutchman stands in for his departed compatriot Erik ten Hag, who was sacked on Monday with the 20-time Premier League champions sitting a lowly 14th in the table, with just three wins from their first nine games.
Ten Hag’s tenure came to an end following United’s controversial 2-1 defeat to West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday, with Jarrod Bowen's injury-time penalty dealing Ten Hag the final blow.
Van Nistelrooy, who returned to his former employers as one of Ten Hag’s assistants last summer, played 219 times for United, netting 150 times in a five-year stint, and was handed the reins on an interim basis while the club sought to appoint a successor.
That successor is expected to be Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim, even if the 39-year-old insisted "nothing is decided" on Tuesday night.
Writing in the club’s matchday programme, Van Nistelrooy spoke of his “sadness” to see Ten Hag depart, but also the “honour” of managing the club “for however long I am asked to do so”.
“As I am sure everyone can imagine, I am writing these notes with a huge amount of mixed emotions,” 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.
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“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.”
Van Nistelrooy experienced a trophy rush during his playing career at United, earning Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup winners' medals, and he believes that the current crop of players has what it takes to restore the Red Devils to their past glory days.
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“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,” he said.
“The first step is to restore the winning habit, starting at Old Trafford this evening. I know first-hand the positive effect that our wonderful fans can have on the team, so please get behind the players as we fight together to move a step closer to Wembley.”
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