Former Manchester United forward Ruud van Nistelrooy says the English giants can be “unstoppable” as they head into a new period at the club, Afrosport reports.
The former Netherlands international was appointed as interim manager on Monday following the sacking of erstwhile manager Eric ten Hag with the club currently 14th in the Premier League standings and 21st in the Europa League.
Van Nistelrooy will oversee his first game in charge of the Red Devils when Leicester City visits Old Trafford in an EFL Cup round of 16 encounter on Wednesday.
Back to Old Trafford on Wednesday night 🔴#MUFC || #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/Lz9SvXnzKG
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 29, 2024
The United legend, who is looking forward to being in the dugout at the Theatre of Dreams for the first time, says the club will return to its previous place of strength but it will take time and hard work to achieve such.
The former United No. 10, for the first time, wrote to the club supporters in the matchday program, stating that although there are mixed emotions, he is happy to be back at the club and ready to help in any capacity he can.
“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 wrote.
“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.
“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.”
Van Nistelrooy join United in 2001 from PSV Eindhoven, scoring 150 goals from 219 appearances along with winning the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup and Community Shield.
United are on the hunt for a new manager with the 13-time Premier League champions reportedly close to acquiring the services of Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim after informing Sporting of their willingness to pay his release clause.
It is, however, uncertain if Van Nistelrooy would remain at the club if Amorim is appointed as new manager.
