Manchester United interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy says he is around to help the club for as long as possible as reports continue to link Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim with the permanent job at Old Trafford, Afrosport reports.
Erik ten Hag was dismissed on Monday after the loss to West Ham Unitefd otn Sunday with Van Nistelrooy taking over on an interim basis.
The former United player produced a strong result in his first game, leading the men in red to a 5-2 win over Leicester City in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.
Despite continued reports of Amorim closing in on becoming Ten Hag’s replacement, Van Nistelrooy is focused on United’s next game against Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday.
“I came here as an assistant, to help the club, and now in this role, I’m helping as long as I’m needed. In the future, in any capacity, I am here to help the club further, to build towards the future,” he told the club website.
“There are so many people around me who want the best for the club and that will never change. I think it’s important to focus on Sunday, and the league game against Chelsea. What the future holds, let’s wait on that.”
Fuud for the soul 🫶 pic.twitter.com/QCpiqqm6lr
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 30, 2024
Van Nistelrooy also praised the effort of the coaching staff and players in their preparation towards the Leicester game in the wake of Ten Hag’s departure.
“As coaching staff, we prepared the players and I have to say they were fantastic. Credit to the team, they pulled off a great performance, after difficult moments. On the day it got announced, it was difficult for them and every one of us,” he added.
“Of course, when you have the manager is going, for us, as staff as well, so to react and play like this, it was a great achievement of the players.
“We promised to fight for the 75,000 fans and the millions at home watching and supporting United. For them, we wanted to show up, show this club is building and continuing to fight and never stop. That’s what it is about.”
Van Nistelrooy played 219 times for Manchester United between 2001 and 2006, scoring 150 goals and providing 30 assists, 95 of them coming in the Premier League.
