Ruud van Nistelrooy: Manchester United legend wants to be ...
Published 08/11/2024 at 19:25 GMT
Van Nistelrooy outlines ‘clear ambitions to manage’ but reiterates desire to assist Amorim
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Ruud van Nistelrooy admitted he would one day like to manage Manchester United on a permanent basis, but insisted he is content to be an assistant coach under new boss Ruben Amorim.
The former United striker made his return to Old Trafford in the summer to join Erik ten Hag's coaching team, but the latter was sacked on October 28 and Van Nistelrooy took interim charge.
The Dutchman takes charge of the side for a fourth and final time this Sunday when United host Leicester in the Premier League.
When asked if he would like to manage the club he won multiple trophies with as a player, Van Nistelrooy told a press conference on Friday: "Yeah, of course.
"I thought this through well when I made the decision to come to United as an assistant manager or assistant coach. I knew that coming to Manchester United was for me a special occasion, where I felt I wanted to be part of this journey with the club in also an assistant role.
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"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 to stay in that capacity."
"I called it an important period because I think it was important to get through the four games as good as we could," said Van Nistelrooy.
"I think we've done very well so far. The players have reacted very well in the games. The focus now is to build on that and show that on Sunday, with a big game ahead and a massive three points that are there to win.
"I don't know if it will be very emotional. I take it very pragmatically as well, although I am proud to be able to fulfil this. We'll see how I feel on Sunday."
Van Nistelrooy's contract at the club extends to 2026, but there is uncertainty if he will continue in Manchester with Amorim likely to bring his own set of staff from Sporting.
Sunday could be the Dutchman's second farewell if Amorim decides to rearrange the coaching team when he starts on Monday.
The Portuguese manager will have almost two weeks to prepare for his first match against Ipswich, but will be unable to work with many of the first team players on international duty during that period.
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