Van Nistelrooy honored as interim manager of Manchester United

Ruud van Nistelrooy © Getty Images

Ruud van Nistelrooy said he was sad to see Erik ten Hag sacked by Manchester United on Monday but the club’s former striker was honored to serve as interim coach for as long as needed.

Dutch coach Ten Hag was sacked on Monday with the team languishing in 14th place in the Premier League standings.

Van Nistelrooy, 48, joined Ten Hag’s team as an assistant in July. He was appointed interim coach on Monday and will take charge of Wednesday’s League Cup match against Leicester City at Old Trafford.

“Erik ten Hag brought me back to Manchester United in the summer and although I was only here on the coaching staff for a few months, I will always be grateful to him for giving me the opportunity and I’m sad to see it. he will leave,” the former Netherlands international said on the team’s website.

“When I came back in the summer as Eric’s assistant, it was because I believe Manchester United can get back to the level I knew as a player here. I still believe in it, but it will take time and a lot of hard work. .

“Even on a temporary basis, I am honored to manage the club I love, no matter how long I have been asked to do so. I can promise that I will continue to give my best, in any capacity, to try to improve our situation. state.”

While van Nistelrooy was considered a contender for the permanent job, Sporting coach Ruben Amorim emerged as favorite and United told the Lisbon club on Tuesday they were willing to pay a €10 million release clause.