Emotional Ruud van Nistelrooy given incredible ovation at Old Trafford with Man Utd interim still unclear on his future
RUUD VAN NISTELROOY signed off as Manchester United manager in style and was given a standing ovation by supporters.
The interim boss guided the Red Devils to a 3-0 win over Leicester in his final game in charge.
Van Nistelrooy has overseen three wins and a draw in his four matches at the helm.
And he will now pass on the reigns to new manager Ruben Amorim from tomorrow.
But Van Nistelrooy’s future is unclear and it remains to be seen whether he will form part of the new coaching set-up or leave the club.
Fans made it clear they would like him to stay and they chanted the Dutch legend’s name towards the end of the game.
Some supporters even looked emotional as their former player took in their love at full-time.
Van Nistelrooy first came on to the pitch and hugged several of his players, including goalscorer Bruno Fernandes.
He was then serenaded by the Stretford End as he made his way towards the tunnel.
The undefeated boss applauded the fans and lifted his arm in acknowledgement.
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After the game, Van Nistelrooy said: “It is a closure to the block of four games and the future is open.
“It was a beautiful moment to be able to share that with the supporters, it was special.
“A beautiful moment and to show gratitude to them [the fans], I can’t thank them enough.”
Van Nistelrooy has made it clear he would like to stay at Old Trafford, writing in his programme notes today: “I would like to thank everyone for making me feel so welcome and supportive during my time in charge.
“The United fans have always held a special place in my heart, but I can honestly say that my love for you all has only grown during this time.
“The support I have received from the stands at Old Trafford has been fantastic and I have memories of it that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
“The history of this club is incredible and it will always be a great honour for me to have played a part in it as a player.
“Today, however, I am here as a manager and I am looking to the future.
“In this context, I see only positive things for Manchester United.
“I am totally convinced that this club has all the ingredients to return to the level I knew as a player, but it will take a lot of work and determination from everyone at the club to achieve this.
“From tomorrow, I will support our new head coach, Ruben Amorim, and I invite everyone who loves the club to do the same.
“I have worked with this group every day since this summer and I can tell you that there is huge potential in these players, from the experienced executives to the youngsters coming through the academy.
“The coaches, the club staff and the fans all have a role to play in helping these players become the best players they can be.
“Of course, it starts with players taking responsibility for themselves and others, because playing for Manchester United requires strong character, hard work and constant dedication.
“There is no room to hide, especially in today’s media environment, but this is the kind of challenge that you have to relish and embrace.
“Be brave, give it your all and show your talent for yourself, for the badge on your shirt and most importantly for the best fans in the world.
“Let me tell you, whether you are a player or a manager, there is nothing greater than representing Manchester United Football Club.”
Ruben Amorim is ‘Mourinho 2.0’ who turned Sporting from ‘walking dead’ into Portuguese champs… he can revive Man Utd
WHEN Ruben Amorim took charge of Sporting Lisbon in March 2020, one club official compared their situation to the “walking dead”, writes Jordan Davies.
Optimism and hope was at an all-time low.
But the Amorim-effect was almost instantaneous, guiding the Portuguese sleeping giants to their first league title for 19 years in 2020/21, losing just once and only conceding 20 goals.
Since then, Sporting have lifted another league title in 2023/24 – as well as two League Cups – and currently sit top with nine wins from nine this term.
He may be young, but Amorim already has an eye for rebuilding and revitalising fallen super powers with his infectious charisma and intense tactical philosophy that hardly ever wavers.
The “walking dead” at Manchester United must be praying for a similar sort of revival.
And they may just get it from one of the most talented young coaches on the continent – a man accustomed to breathing new life back into crumbling institutions such as Old Trafford.
Amorim has spent the last decade dreaming of one day gracing England’s Premier League, such was his admiration for an ex-United boss in Jose Mourinho growing up.
Often nicknamed ‘Mourinho 2.0’, Amorim spent a week with his coaching idol in an internship capacity at United’s Carrington training base in 2018, going on to cite him as his “reference point”.
United should not be expecting a mini-Mourinho, as Amorim said himself: “Mourinho is one of a kind. There won’t be another Mourinho. Mourinho is unique.”
And yet, you cannot help but compare the two.
For all the mismanagement in the Old Trafford hot seats over the years, this would be a real get – finally a slap in the face United’s Prem rivals have no answer for.