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Former Manchester United striker and interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has reportedly been left shattered by his recent club exit.
Van Nistelrooy was initially brought in as part of Erik ten Hag’s backroom staff in the summer but following the Dutchman’s sacking late last month, he was asked to step in in a caretaker capacity.
United went unbeaten in the four games Van Nistelrooy took charge of.
The Red Devils registered victories against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup and the Premier League, a victory over PAOK in the Europa League and a 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
Van Nistelrooy repeatedly expressed his desire to stay at Old Trafford and be part of Ruben Amorim’s backroom staff but it appears the new United head coach had other ideas.
Last Monday, United confirmed Van Nistelrooy’s departure, with Amorim electing to bring in five members of his Sporting coaching staff with him.
According to The Mirror, Van Nistelrooy “has been left devastated” by his United departure.
Andre Ooijer, a close friend of the United legend and an individual who was part of his coaching set-up at PSC Eindhoven, revealed that Van Nistelrooy is gutted by the fact he was offloaded.
“Ruud wanted to stay as assistant. He would have said something if he wasn’t interested in working with Amorim. Ruud has had the chance to be manager or head coach at other clubs, but he deliberately did not take those jobs because he wanted to work at the club he loves most.”
“Don’t forget Ruud did really well at United, a draw against Chelsea and victories in the other three matches. You could tell the fans liked him so much.”
“You only had to watch how they reacted to him after his last match. He did so well under difficult circumstances. He has stayed unbeaten as a manager.”
Ooijer added, “If Amorim does not get the right results in the first few games, the crowd could start calling again for Ruud.”
Van Nistelrooy is unlikely to be short of suitors and is already being linked with managerial roles at West Ham, Burnley and Coventry City.
A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that the 48-year-old is the “preferred choice” for the Coventry job.
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