Ruud van Nistelrooy confirms next step after emotional Man United ‘goodbye’

Ruud van Nistelrooy confirms next step after emotional Man United ‘goodbye’

Ruud van Nistelrooy has confirmed that he’s set to learn his fate at Manchester United in the next 24 hours ahead of new manager Ruben Amorim’s arrival.

After Erik ten Hag was fired, Van Nistelrooy, a former United striker, has been in charge of the Red Devils’ last four games.

Man United has won three games and drawn one under his caretaker leadership, but Van Nistelrooy may have to leave since Amorim plans to hire his own coaching staff.

The Dutchman has stated publicly that he would like to collaborate with Amorim and has even acknowledged that his ultimate goal is to become United’s permanent manager.

After Amorim leaves his current team, Sporting Lisbon, which plays Braga on Sunday night, the two are scheduled to have urgent negotiations.

Following the Red Devils’ comfortable 3-0 win at home to Leicester City, after which a teary-eyed Van Nistelrooy went over to the Stretford End to thank United’s supporters, he told BBC Sport : “I really enjoyed it, it’s been a short but amazing period. We are in an uncertain position but we tried to do our jobs and help the club which is important.

“There are a lot of feelings there, the way the fans supported me and the team always in difficult moments it was a special moment. To close down this block of games with good results and a good connection I can’t thank them enough. We will learn what the further plan is now.”

Van Nistelrooy added in his post-match press conference: “(The club hierarchy) said, ‘okay, it’s going to be four [games], it’s going to be announced a new head coach’ etc, etc. So, for me, it is important to have that clarity and I appreciated that. In the end, the most important thing is this football club, and I’m here to support that in my role.

“As I said, I want to continue doing that in the future and now also the communication was okay, [that] ‘after the block of four games, there will be communication towards you and your colleagues that are in an uncertain situation’. So, I expect to hear today or tomorrow from them.”

“I believe the outcome will be good because I believe that as long as I’m here, there is no news. I am here at Manchester United, so that is my focus. I am calm in that sense and whenever the communication takes place, I will see.”

Due to the international break, Amorim won’t be in the dugout until Sunday, November 24, when the Red Devils travel to take on newly-promoted Ipswich Town at Portman Road. That gives him almost a fortnight to get his house in order and whatever his decision, he’ll be grateful of Van Nistelrooy’s work as caretaker.