Ruud van Nistelrooy’s stint as Manchester United’s caretaker manager is coming to an end, and he’s just hours away from finding out his future with the club. With new manager Ruben Amorim on the way, the Dutch legend may have to step aside despite his impressive four-game run at the helm.
After Erik ten Hag’s sudden departure, Van Nistelrooy took charge for United’s last four matches, steering the Red Devils to three wins and a draw. Following United’s dominant 3-0 victory over Leicester City at Old Trafford, a visibly emotional Van Nistelrooy thanked fans at the Stretford End in what could be his last game as manager.
“It’s been a short but amazing period,” he told BBC Sport. “The support from the fans was incredible. We just tried to help the club and deliver good results in this uncertain time.”
Van Nistelrooy has made it clear that he’d love to stay on at United, even if it means returning to his former role as strikers’ coach. His long-term ambition? To become United’s permanent manager one day. The decision will soon be made as Amorim, who has led Sporting Lisbon to a series of trophies over the past four years, prepares to bring his own staff to Manchester. The two are set for crucial talks as soon as Amorim officially leaves Sporting following their clash with Braga.
In his post-match comments, Van Nistelrooy expressed gratitude for the club’s transparency, explaining that United had been clear about his four-game tenure from the start. “They said, ‘It’s going to be four games,’ and now we’ll know more,” he noted. “In the end, the most important thing is this club, and I’m here to support that.”
As United gears up for the international break, Van Nistelrooy awaits his fate. Amorim will officially join United on November 24, ahead of United’s clash with Ipswich Town, giving the new manager ample time to settle in and make any necessary adjustments. In the meantime, Van Nistelrooy remains calm and hopeful, trusting that, whatever happens, he’s made a positive impact during his brief time at the helm.
With the club set for an exciting new chapter, Van Nistelrooy’s next steps will soon be revealed – and whether he stays or goes, his passion and dedication have left a mark on the fans and the team alike.