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Erik ten Hag is ‘hurt’ after his sacking by Manchester United, his assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy has admitted.
Ten Hag was sacked by United on Monday after two-and-a-half years in charge, and immediately caught a private jet to Holland. The 54-year-old has yet to speak about the club’s decision.
Van Nistelrooy has stepped in as caretaker boss and oversaw a 5-2 win over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night. He was at the training ground on Monday morning when Ten Hag was informed by chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth that his time was up.
‘Yes I saw him on Monday and spoke to him before the game,’ said Van Nistelrooy. ‘He was disappointed and touched because he really cared for the club. The first conversations we had when I came back to the club, I felt he cared and loved the club and wanted to bring the club forward.
Erik ten Hag is ‘hurt’ after his sacking by Man United, Ruud van Nistelrooy has revealed
Van Nistelrooy took interim charge of United in a 5-2 Carabao Cup last-16 win over Leicester
‘That’s why he’s also hurt that he had to leave but also proud of his achievement here winning the two cups.’
Van Nistelrooy also said: ‘‘It’s going to be short job as an interim – that was communicated very clearly, and I was happy with that. I felt I was called upon to help the club in this situation.
‘It was very disappointing that Erik had to leave but then you have to switch the mind-set to win. There was a game 75,000 fans and millions watching at home.’