Manchester United interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has shed light on his first team talk since taking over from Erik ten Hag.
Van Nistelrooy was appointed to Ten Hag’s backroom staff ahead of this season and he has now been asked to go it alone, at least until the services of Sporting manager Ruben Amorim are secured.
Before Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup clash with Leicester City, Van Nistelrooy revealed that he tried to hammer the importance of playing at Old Trafford into the players during his pre-match team talk.
“It was about the opponent but especially about ourselves,” he said in an interview with Sky Sports. “[I told them] what it’s about to play at Old Trafford in front of these wonderful fans that always support us, and give them a great night of football with enthusiasm, with hopefully lots of possession and attacks.
“That’s what Manchester United is about. I tried to share that with the players and get them ready for the game.”
Van Nistelrooy is in the dark over how long his interim stint will last at the club he represented for five years as a deadly striker. United have reportedly agreed a fee for Amorim and club chiefs are keen to unveil him before Sunday’s high-profile meeting with Chelsea.
But the Portuguese has a 30-day notice period to serve, which would keep him in position for Sporting’s next three games. United therefore face the prospect of waiting until the international break for their incoming head coach.
That would leave Van Nistelrooy at the helm for upcoming clashes with Chelsea, PAOK and Leicester. The 48-year-old’s only previous managerial stint came at PSV Eindhoven, but he resigned one game before the end of the 2022/23 season amid rumours of tension behind the scenes.
On being given the chance to take charge of United, Van Nistelrooy added: “It’s mixed feelings. I was said to see Erik go. He is the one who got me here. In our first conversation, what struck me most was his passion for United.
“He really fought and did everything in his capability for this club. The reality of the day is that Manchester United and football continue, and I’m asked to help the club. That’s why I’m here. In any capacity; to help, to build on this football club. That’s why I take pride in leading the team today.”
