Ruud van Nistelrooy has mixed feelings about his appointment as interim head coach at Manchester United. “I am grateful and sad,” he says. This season, Van Nistelrooij was assistant to Erik ten Hag, who was dismissed at the beginning of this week.
This Wednesday evening, Van Nistelrooij will be on the bench for the first time at Manchester United, during the cup match against Leicester City. In the run-up to that cup match, the former PSV player and coach talks about his experiences with Ten Hag.
“I know everyone can imagine that I have a huge amount of mixed emotions. Ten Hag brought me back to Manchester United in the summer. Although I have only been part of the coaching staff here for a few months, I will always be grateful to him that he gave me this opportunity. And I’m sad to see him go.”
“Even on an interim basis, it is a great honor to lead the club I love for however long I am asked. I can promise that I will continue to give everything, in whatever capacity, to try to turn our fortunes around,” the former international explains on the Manchester United website.
Van Nistelrooij, successful as a striker for the Mancunianshopes for the support of the fans in these turbulent times. “This is the time for everyone at the club to work together, give it their all and turn this season around while we still have time. From my experiences as a player and as a coach here I can say with certainty that when players, staff and supporters join forces, Manchester United can no longer be stopped.”
Van Nistelrooij, who resigned as PSV coach last May, hopes that he can turn the tide. “We have seen the team’s potential at times this season, but clearly not often enough. The first step is to restore the winning habit, starting at Old Trafford, to move one step closer to Wembley.”
READ ALSO: Ruud van Nistelrooij leaves PSV immediately, Fred Rutten takes over duties
By the way, rumors are already doing the rounds in England that ‘Van the Man‘ will have to leave when Ruben Amorim is expected to be appointed as the new trainer. Amorim is now successful at the Portuguese champion Sporting CP.
Manchester United won 5-2 against Leicester City on Wednesday evening – for the first time under the leadership of Van Nistelrooij.
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