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Manchester United’s interim manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, believes the team can become “unstoppable,” though he cautions it will require time and relentless dedication to reach their full potential.
The United legend, who took charge following Erik ten Hag’s sudden departure, will lead the team for the first time in their Carabao Cup clash against Leicester City on Wednesday.
Following United’s disappointing season under Ten Hag, which left them languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, the club has approached Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim as a possible successor.
However, Amorim has yet to decide on his future, leaving Van Nistelrooy’s role in a state of flux.
Reflecting on his years as a player at United, where he scored an impressive 150 goals in 219 appearances, Van Nistelrooy expressed confidence in the team’s long-term potential.
In his program notes for the upcoming Leicester match, he shared, “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.”
“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.”
Van Nistelrooy highlighted moments of the squad’s brilliance this season, though he admitted these instances have been inconsistent.
He remains convinced that United can achieve greatness when “players, staff, and supporters pull together.”
Van Nistelrooy, who previously managed PSV Eindhoven for a season, spoke passionately about the opportunity to lead United, even if only temporarily.
“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,” he stated.
As United weigh their managerial options, Van Nistelrooy’s optimism and dedication to the club’s values offer a ray of hope for fans eager to see the team rise again.
Although a verbal agreement has reportedly been reached, Amorim may not be at the helm for United’s upcoming clash against Chelsea. Instead, Van Nistelrooy, appointed temporarily after Ten Hag’s sacking, is likely to manage the team at Stamford Bridge.
United have already notified Sporting of their intent to activate Amorim’s €10 million release clause, though additional negotiations are necessary to secure his full backroom staff.
With Sporting still holding out for compensation for his assistants, this delay means Amorim may oversee Sporting’s upcoming match against Estrela da Amadora on Friday, a more meaningful farewell than Tuesday’s League Cup fixture against Nacional.
Amorim’s commitment to leading Sporting on Friday signals that even if his move to United proceeds, it would be challenging for him to assume managerial duties by Saturday’s Chelsea match.
Amorim, known for his preference for tactical preparation and potentially major shifts in formation, would likely prefer not to debut in such a high-stakes encounter without sufficient time to familiarize himself with the United squad.
The anticipated timeline points to an official announcement and introductory press conference for Amorim next week, likely at Old Trafford or Carrington.
This sequence would allow him to take charge before United’s home fixtures against PAOK and Leicester City, offering a more measured start to his tenure.