Ruud Van Nistelrooy's first words as Manchester United's interim manager

Manchester United's interim manager, Ruud Van Nistelrooy has spoken for the first time since he was appointed to lead the Red Devils pending when a permanent manager is appointed.

Ruud van Nistelrooy was speaking in a pre-match press conference ahead of Manchester United's Carabao Cup game against Leicester City at Old Trafford today ( Wednesday, October 30, 2024). The Dutchman was appointed after Erik Ten Hag was sacked after a series of bad results across all results since the beginning of this season ( 2024/25).

What did Ruud van Nistelrooy say?

The Dutchman said it was an emotional experience for him to take charge of the club on an interim basis and it was also sad for him to see Erik Ten Hag leave the club.

"As I am sure everyone can imagine, I am writing these notes with a huge amount of mixed emotions. 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. 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. Despite our results, I am loving being back at Old Trafford and working with the team and staff every day. We’ve seen the squad’s potential at times this season, but clearly not often enough."

He continued,

Now is the time for everyone at the club to work together, give everything and turn this season around while we have time. From my experiences as both a player and a coach here, I can say for sure that when players, staff and supporters pull together, Manchester United can be unstoppable. 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. 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.”

Ruben Amorim is reportedly expected to replace Erik Ten Hag permanently after Manchester United agreed to pay his buy-out clause to Sporting Lisbon.

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