Ruud van Nistelrooy has been called a “legend” by Manchester United during their announcement of the Dutchman’s exit after four games as interim manager.
Former United top scorer Van Nistelrooy, who was appointed as one of Erik ten Hag’s assistant coaches in July, replaced the sacked manager on October 28 and oversaw three wins and a draw, including Sunday’s 3-0 victory at home to Leicester City.
“We are grateful for his contribution and the way in which he has approached his role throughout his time with the club,” United said in a statement on the same day as new manager Ruben Amorim was pictured at the club’s training ground for the first time. “He will always be very welcome at Old Trafford.”
Ruud ❤️#MUFC pic.twitter.com/n4wXc1a75t
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 11, 2024
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Amorim coaching staff
Goalkeeping coach Jelle ten Rouwelaar, who had been set to join Ajax before United stepped in four months ago, has also left alongside Rene Hake, who quit his role as manager of Eredivisie side Go Ahead Eagles to join Ten Hag at the same time.
First-team analyst Pieter Morel, who was with Ten Hag during his time as Ajax manager and became a member of his staff at United in 2023, is also no longer required.
Amorim landed in Manchester on Monday with his backroom team from former club Sporting of Carlos Fernandes, Adelio Candido, Emanuel Ferro, goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital and sports scientist Paulo Barreira.
United released footage of the Portuguese arriving at training complex Carrington and laughing with figures including sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox.
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Van Nistelrooy United record
Speaking on Friday, Van Nistelrooy 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.”
Van Nistelrooy won the 2002-03 Premier League and Golden Boot during his time as a player at Old Trafford between 2001 and 2006, as well as the 2003-04 FA Cup and 2004-05 League Cup.
The former Netherlands international’s only previous senior managerial job came at PSV, leading the Dutch side to second in the Eredivisie and KNVB Cup glory in 2022-23 before resigning a year into his three-contract, citing a lack of support from the club.
Van Nistelrooy’s tally of four points from two games was as many as Ten Hag gained across his final four matches, while he also guided United to their first Europa League win this season – 2-0 at home to PAOK – and a 5-2 home victory over Leicester to reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
