- After a dazzling career as a player at the club, Ruud van Nistelrooy returned to Old Trafford as an assistant manager in the summer and revived the hope of fans following a difficult start to the 2024-25 season which led to the sacking of former manager Erik ten Hag
- Van Nistelrooy, who spent five seasons at Manchester United as a player, led the Red Devils to their first win just days after the sacking of ten Hag
Ruud van Nistelrooy is a name many Manchester United fans will not forget in the near future. After a dazzling career as a player at the club, van Nistelrooy returned to Old Trafford as an assistant manager in the summer and revived the hope of fans following a difficult start to the 2024-25 season which led to the sacking of former manager Erik ten Hag.
The legendary striker turned manager took charge of United on an interim basis a few weeks ago and has guided the club in their last four matches. Under van Nistelrooy, the Red Devils secured three wins and recorded one draw, an impressive performance as per some fans.
On Monday (November 11), van Nistelrooy was informed that his services are no longer needed as he had not been given a role in new manager Ruben Amorim’s coaching staff. This comes after the Dutch had committed his future to United by saying that he is looking forward to completing his two-year contract at the club.
Ruud van Nistelrooy has left Manchester United after the arrival of Ruben Amorim. Photo/ Eurosport.
Considering Amorim has his own long-established coaching team, the news of Ruud van Nistelrooy exit wasn’t a surprise to fans. However, it has been received with great disappointment as a good number of fans wanted the Dutchman around due the great work he has done within the short period of time.
Van Nistelrooy, who spent five seasons at Manchester United as a player, led the Red Devils to their first win just days after the sacking of ten Hag. He was on the touchline when United thumped Leicester City 5-2 in the Carabao Cup. Next came a 1-1 draw against Chelsea in the Premier League and then a 2-0 win over PAOK in the Europa League.
On Sunday, he oversaw United record a comfortable 3-0 win over Leicester in the Premier League. Captain Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring with a brilliant finish before an own goal from Victor Kristiansen saw the Red Devils go 2-0 up in the first half. Alejandro Garnacho then sealed the win in the second half.
The amazing results could be used to argue that van Nistelrooy deserved a chance to be United’s permanent manager for at least the remainder of this season. However, chief executive Omar Berrada had already made up his mind to have Ruben Amorim take over as the club’s permanent manager from Erik ten Hag.
Van Nistelrooy’s exit was confirmed by United who hailed him as a legend on their website.
“Ruud is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend. We are grateful for his contribution and the way in which he has approached his role throughout his time with the club. He will always be very welcome at Old Trafford.” A statement on Manchester United’s official website reads.
Ruben Amorim Arrives At Manchester United
Ruben Amorim arrived at Carrington with his coaching team on Monday. Photo/ Manchester Evening News.
On Monday, Ruben Amorim flew from Lisbon, Portugal to England where he will start his new role as Manchester United’s manager. The 39-year-old was received at Carrington by Omar Berrada and other members of United’s staff, including sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox.
Amorim arrived with members of his coaching staff and were given a tour in advance of being able to start work after receiving visa. The former Portugal international has 13 days during the international break to prepare for his first match, which will be at Ipswich Town in the Premier League.
