- Ruud van Nistelrooy left Man United this week after a short spell as interim boss
- The Dutchman’s departure came after Ruben Amorim opted for his own staff
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Ruud van Nistelrooy has been left devastated following his exit from Manchester United this week.
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.
However, new boss Ruben 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.
Ex-Blackburn and Holland defender Andre Ooijer, who was on Van Nistelrooy’s backroom staff at PSV and is a close of his, has revealed the former striker is gutted.
Ooijer told the Mirror: ‘Ruud wanted to stay as assistant. He would have said something if he wasn’t interested in working with Amorim.
Ruud van Nistelrooy left Man United this week after a short spell as interim manager
The Dutchman’s stint at the helm was a successful one, winning three games and drawing one
Ex-Blackburn and Holland defender Andre Ooijer (right) says Van Nistelrooy is gutted
Ruud has had the chance to be manager or head coach at other clubs, but he deliberately did not take those jobs because he wanted to work at the club he loves most.
‘Don’t forget Ruud did really well at United, a draw against Chelsea and victories in the other three matches. You could tell the fans liked him so much. You only had to watch how they reacted to him after his last match.
‘He did so well under difficult circumstances. He has stayed unbeaten as a manager.
‘If Amorim does not get the right results in the first few games, the crowd could start calling again for Ruud.’
Following his exit, Van Nistelrooy posted a heartfelt message on 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.
‘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!
Ooijer has warned Ruben Amorim that fans may want Van Nistelrooy back if his reign doesn’t start well
The former striker had returned to Old Trafford in the summer as Erik Ten Hag’s assistant
‘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.
