In a significant development at Old Trafford, former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has stepped into the role of interim manager following Eric ten Hag’s departure, expressing his commitment to helping the club navigate through this challenging period.
“It’s going to be a short job as an interim, that was communicated very clearly,” van Nistelrooy stated during his first press conference. “I felt called upon to help the club forward in this situation, and I was happy with that decision.”
The Dutch manager, who scored 150 goals during his illustrious playing career at United, acknowledged the mixed emotions surrounding ten Hag’s exit. Despite the disappointment, van Nistelrooy emphasized the importance of maintaining focus, noting that “75,000 people waiting and celebrating, and millions watching at home” expect nothing less than the team’s best efforts.
Van Nistelrooy revealed he had spoken with ten Hag both Monday at the club and before Tuesday’s match, describing his predecessor as “very disappointed and touched.” He praised ten Hag’s achievements, including securing two cups during his tenure, and highlighted their shared passion for the club’s success.
When questioned about his future role, van Nistelrooy confirmed his intention to return to his assistant manager position once a permanent appointment is made. “I came here to help the club forward, and I’m still very motivated to do so in any capacity,” he explained. “I have an assistant contract here for this season and next, and I’m very motivated to stay and help the club forward.”
The interim manager’s immediate focus lies on preparing the team for upcoming challenges, particularly Sunday’s crucial match against Chelsea. He has already demonstrated his emotional connection to the club, sharing how he used his first team talk to convey the significance of playing for Manchester United and the meaning behind the fans’ songs at Old Trafford.
Sir Alex Ferguson, van Nistelrooy’s former manager, has already reached out to offer support and luck ahead of matches. This gesture underscores the continued involvement of United’s old guard in supporting the club through its transition period.
Looking ahead, van Nistelrooy addressed questions about the squad’s potential, stating, “It’s a great challenge to show and push ourselves as staff and players to that level. Everybody is convinced with this group of players that we can and have to perform better than we’re doing at the moment.”
As Manchester United continues its search for a permanent manager, van Nistelrooy’s interim leadership provides a bridge between the club’s storied past and its immediate future. His deep understanding of United’s culture, combined with his current coaching experience, positions him well to guide the team through this transitional period while maintaining the club’s high standards and expectations.
The coming weeks will be crucial as United aims to improve their position in the Premier League and secure positive results under van Nistelrooy’s stewardship, starting with Sunday’s important fixture against Chelsea at Old Trafford.