- Ruud van Nistelrooy was Man United’s interim boss after Erik ten Hag was sacked
- He won three matches and drew one but Ruben Amorim opted for his own staff
- SOCCER A-Z: Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on YouTube. New episodes every Wednesday
Ruud van Nistelrooy has issued an emotional statement after being excluded from Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United coaching team and forced to leave Old Trafford.
Former Red Devils striker van Nistelrooy took on the role of interim after Erik ten Hag’s dismissal last month and led the side to three wins and a draw in a successful stint.
He capped off his short tenure with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Leicester on Sunday and previously stated his desire to stay on at Old Trafford despite being left in the dark about his future.
But Amorim, upon his arrival in Manchester, decided not to keep the Dutchman and instead opted to stick with his own staff as he prepares to take his first match against Ipswich on November 24.
And, Van Nistelrooy has finally broken his silence in a heartfelt message posted to X, insisting he will ‘cherish the memories’ of his time in charge of the club.
He said: ‘To everyone at Manchester United Football Club, in particular the backroom staff, the players and the fans. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible efforts and support.
Ruud van Nistelrooy has issued an emotional statement after his departure from Man United
The Dutchman’s stint at the helm was a successful one, winning three games and drawing one
New boss Ruben Amorim arrived in Manchester this week and has not kept the Dutchman on
‘It has been a privilege and honour to represent the club as a player, coach and manager, and I will always cherish the memories we have shared together.
‘@ManUtd will always have a special place in my heart, and I hope there are many more glory days at Old Trafford very soon – not only because I want the club to do well, but because you all deserve it!
‘All the best and take care, Ruud.’
According to The Sun, Van Nistelrooy is being considered to make a return to club management at Burnley.
The report claims the Clarets could be tempted to make a move for the 48-year-old should their form dip under manager Scott Parker.
Van Nistelrooy had been a leading contender to take over as Burnley boss in the summer.
He ultimately opted to return to Old Trafford as Ten Hag’s assistant, reuniting with the club where he scored 150 goals in 219 games between 2001 and 2006.
Burnley appointed Parker as manager, with the Clarets seeking an immediate return to the Premier League.
Van Nistelrooy shared the heartfelt statement on X as he gets set for his next move in the game
He had been considered by Burnley last summer before becoming Erik ten Hag’s assistant
The Dutchman impressed in his spell at the helm and could return to the dugout soon
United head coach Amorim (left) decided to bring with him several trusted staff members
Parker’s side are currently fourth in the Championship and just four points off top spot.
The former England international, however, has faced criticism from supporters due to his team only scoring nine goals in their last 13 league matches.
Van Nistelrooy had previously had a season in charge of PSV and led the team to the KNVB Cup.
His former team-mate Paul Scholes claimed last week that he believes the former United striker is keen to return full-time as a manager.
‘I am pretty sure he must have the bug back to be a manager, when you have done it and been successful as he was in Holland, going back to being an assistant must be quite difficult because you must be frustrated.
‘There must be certain things you want to do and you don’t agree with the manager, that you can say but it doesn’t matter because the buck stops with the manager.
‘Just watching him for three games, he did well in Holland winning the Dutch Cup. He looks like he is made to be a manager to me, I think he is better than just an assistant manager.’
