2
Manchester United interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy has once again expressed his intention to remain at the club and be part of Ruben Amorim’s backroom staff.
A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United and Sporting Lisbon have a full agreement for Amorim to seal a switch to Old Trafford.
The expectation is that the 39-year-old will be accompanied by a contingent of his coaching assistants and sports scientists.
This led to speculation over Van Nistelrooy’s future at the club, but after United’s 5-2 Carabao Cup win over Leicester City, the legendary striker declared his desire to carry on with the Red Devils.
Van Nistelrooy is set to take charge of the team for Sunday’s clash against Chelsea and during his presser, the Dutchman was asked about his future plans once Amorim arrives.
On whether he will leave once Amorim comes in, Van Nistelrooy said, “Yes, and I decided to come back here for a very important reason that I’m here, I came as an assistant to help the club forward and I’m still motivated to do so in any capacity, I go back to my assistant contract that I have here for this season and next, I’m very motivated to stay here and help the club forward, that’s my absolute goal.”
When put to the task about whether he expects to stay under Amorim, he replied, “We will see but it’s a contract situation I’m in and my desire to help the club forward. I can speak to you about my side of the story and after that when a new situation is occurring and when a new manager is signing and conversations take place we have to see how things develop.”
“I want to help. I want to do everything I can in my abilities as many others do in this club, to fight for this club. The club’s in a difficult situation and it’s not there where we all want it to be. But the challenge is there for the bigger, that’s why I’m here.”
“Everybody’s looking at Man United and the situation it’s in, but it’s us as people on the ground, on the floor here, to do the utmost, supported by our fans and, of course, it’s a process and something to work for and do everything for.”
Van Nistelrooy divulged that he hasn’t spoken with Amorim.
On leading United on Sunday, the former Red stated, “I’m guessing that too, so yes. It’s going to be a short job as an interim, that was communicated very clear and I was happy with that. I felt I was called upon to help the club forward in this situation.”
“Obviously, it was difficult that Erik had to leave, I was very disappointed, obviously with very mixed feelings about that but you have to switch the mindset to win because 75,000 people are waiting and celebrating and millions are watching at home. That’s what we tried to do, same for Sunday and then we’ll see.”
Van Nistelrooy confirmed that he spoke to Ten Hag.
“Yes, I’ve seen him Monday here and I’ve spoken to him yesterday before the game. Obviously, very disappointed and touched because he really cared for the club.”
“I said also yesterday in the first conversation we had for me to come back to the club with him I really felt that he cared and loved the club and wanted to bring this club forward and that’s why we connected, and that’s why he’s also hurt that he had to leave but also proud of his achievements here with the two cups and obviously the history that he’s leaving with that.”
The interim United manager gave his verdict on why things have not gone according to plan for the club.
“I think in the end it’s also clear in football it’s the results and Erik also said. As you say, in pre-season we had new staff all very positive, working hard to bring the club forward and obviously there are things you can’t explain sometimes. I also remember the Brighton goal we scored, Garna, via Josh in, then you concede the 2-1.”
“There’ve been so many games where we could’ve got a better result than I’m talking Palace, I’m talking West Ham, I’m talking Fenerbahce, I’m talking Porto. But in the end, it’s about results this game. That’s our job.”
The 48-year-old told journalists that he spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson, who advised him and wished him luck for the upcoming games.
According to Van Nistelrooy, the current challenge for United is to perform better and prove that they can play at a high level.
He revealed that he never saw himself returning to United as a manager but insisted it’s a “special” feeling to be back in a club and city he enjoyed and liked so much as a player.
Van Nistelrooy was also quizzed about United’s summer transfer window, in which around £200m was spent on recruitment.
“It’s something that is interesting to think about because in the end, in football, it happens so much, a team, a club is also in the process of signing players, so it’s also in combination with the manager.”
“It’s difficult to comment on that actually and what the process would be with the new manager and how important it is the new manager is approving the squad and he has the decision to come and not to come. When he sees the squad, so it’s hard for me to comment on that but that would be the reaction from my side.”
United vs. Chelsea kicks off at 16:30 BST.
Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images