Ruud van Nistelrooy would rather stay at Manchester United and work as part of Ruben Amorim’s coaching staff than forge a managerial career away from Old Trafford.
Van Nistelrooy joined United over the summer to work under Erik ten Hag and took over as interim boss when his fellow Dutchman was sacked over two weeks ago following a 2-1 defeat at West Ham.
His temporary time in charge ends on November 11 when Amorim officially joins from Sporting CP and Van Nistelrooy will lead the team for the final time on Sunday against Leicester City.
What happens after that remains uncertain but the former Real Madrid striker says his first choice would be to stay and work alongside the Portuguese.
He said: “The appetite to build further within this club is stronger than that [being my own man].
“I made a deliberate decision to step into this role for two seasons and take it from there. Four games haven’t changed that sentiment. That’s why I said from the beginning that’s what my intentions were after my interim job.”
Pure passion 🫶#MUFC || #UEL pic.twitter.com/MLQdEpa6yF
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 8, 2024
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Ruud eyes managerial role
Asked if would like to hold the manager’s job on a permanent basis at some point in the future, he added: “Of course, I thought this through. When I made the decision to come to United as an assistant coach I thought that through and I knew coming to United was a special occasion where I could be part of this journey at the club as an assistant.
“I had clear ambitions to manage, I made the decision to sign a two-year deal as an assistant. And I’m still in that frame of mind.”
Whatever happens, Van Nistelrooy has enjoyed his spell in charge and hopes to go out with a victory on Sunday to finish with a record of three wins and a draw from four games.
“It was a special period, it is still. I call it an important period because I think it was important to get through the four games as well as we could,” he said.
“I think we’ve done very well so far. The players reacted really well in the games. The focus now is to show that on Sunday. I don’t know if it will be very emotional. I’ll take it pragmatic as well although I’m very proud to be able to fulfill this.”
Who’s fit to face Leicester? 🤔
Ruud issued his team news in Friday’s press conference ℹ️#MUFC || #PL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 8, 2024
Amad worry
United’s main injury worry ahead of the weekend surrounds Amad Diallo, who sparkled with two goals in last night’s 2-0 win over PAOK in the Europa League.
“Amad was assessed, still working on him to get him ready for Sunday,” Van Nistelrooy said.
“Kobbie [Mainoo] is also progressing in his injury, making the right steps, not yet with the team though.”
Van Nistelrooy also played down concerns about the lack of goals in this United side with main striker Rasmus Hojlund having scored just one goal in the Premier League this season.
He said: “I agree that when you want to be a successful side in the Premier League and in Europe, which is what the build is all about, you need a certain amount of goals. That is clear. That is why the best teams in the world have those players.
“At the moment we have players that can get a certain amount of goals and assists but obviously they are at an age where they still have to be developed. There is that potential there and the belief is there that they can.”
