Home Sport Ruud van Nistelrooy breaks silence on Man Utd sacking Erik ten Hag

Ruud van Nistelrooy breaks silence on Man Utd sacking Erik ten Hag


Ruud van Nistelrooy has spoken publicly for the first time since being installed as Manchester United’s interim boss and has called for unity to help turn their season around.

Former United striker Van Nistelrooy was put in temporary charge of the team following the sacking of Erik ten Hag on Monday, with the club down in 14th place in the Premier League.

Writing in his programme notes ahead of tonight’s EFL Cup tie against Leicester at Old Trafford, Van Nistelrooy said it was vital the team rediscovers “the winning habit” after such a poor start to the sasom.

“As I am sure everyone can imagine, I am writing these notes with a huge amount of mixed emotions,” said Van Nistelrooy. “Erik ten Hag brought me back to Manchester United in the summer and, while I have only been part of the coaching staff here for a few months, I will always be grateful to him for giving me the opportunity, and I am saddened to see him leave.

“Even on an interim basis, it is a great honour to manage the club I love for however long I am asked to do so. I can promise that I will continue to give my all, in whatever capacity, to try to turn around our fortunes.

“When I returned in the summer as Erik’s assistant, it was because I believe that Manchester United can climb back to the levels that I knew here as a player. I still have that belief, but it will take time and a lot of hard work.

“The first step is to restore the winning habit, starting at Old Trafford this evening. I know first-hand the positive effect that our wonderful fans can have on the team, so please get behind the players as we fight together to move a step closer to Wembley.”

Van Nistelrooy, who will take charge of the team while United try to finalise a deal with Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim, added: “Despite our results, I am loving being back at Old Trafford and working with the team and staff every day. We’ve seen the squad’s potential at times this season, but clearly not often enough.

“Now is the time for everyone at the club to work together, give everything and turn this season around while we have time. From my experiences as both a player and a coach here, I can say for sure that when players, staff and supporters pull together, Manchester United can be unstoppable.

“Thankfully, we have time on our side and with fixtures coming so regularly now, we also have plenty of opportunities to build up some positive momentum, starting with the visit of Steve Cooper and Leicester City in the Carabao Cup.

“It will not be easy, of course. Leicester are Premier League opposition and they will also be highly motivated by the prospect of moving into the quarter-finals. However, every game we play is also an opportunity for us to remind everyone – ourselves included – of what this great club stands for.”

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