Ruud Van Nistelroy has impressed in his short stint as Manchester United interim manager, but his future at the club is in the balance with a new manager, Ruben Amorim, set to take charge soon.
Nistelroy joined the ranks of former manager Erik ten Hag’s backroom staff as an assistant in the summer.
Despite his subordinate role as assistant manager for Erik ten Hag, Nistelroy seemed to have already endeared himself to the hearts of Manchester United fans.
He was particularly instrumental in the club’s signing of prolific youngster Chido Obi-Martins from Arsenal this summer.
Following the sack of Erik ten Hag, he was expected to join the Dutchman’s coaching staff and leave, but United opted to retain him in an interim capacity to take charge of the club’s two matches before the arrival of Ruben Amorim.
Ruud Van Nistelroy’s short spell as Manchester United interim manager
Van Nistelroy took charge of his first game against Leicester City in the EFL Cup as Manchester United’s temporary manager. He led the team to an emphatic 5-2 victory over the Foxes.
His next match was against tougher opponents Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday, November 3, 2024. Against the Blues, Van Nistelroy did as well, guiding the team to a 1-1 draw against the high-flying Enzo Maresca side.
If there had ever been doubts about his chances and relevance in the United setup in the post-ten Hag era, it was extirpated by the strong showing in the two matches.
However, it is understood that his future at the club has not been settled, with new manager Ruben Amorim set to assume the reins in the United’s dugout on November 11, 2024, during the international break.
Ruben Amorim to take over at United with his coaching staff
Futballnews understands Amorim will come to Manchester United with his coaching staff from Sporting Lisbon. The 39-year-old made it clear he will join the club as new manager with his coaching team, which he had worked with since his days at Casa Pia.
According to him, he had discussed that and had it settled with United to come with his coaching staff.
This leaves Ruud Van Nistelroy on a weak footing in the scheme of things in the imminent new coaching dispensation under Amorim.
Recently addressing concerns over his place in the emerging new setup, Nistelroy revealed he is still eager to work as an assistant manager with Amorim.
According to him, he is very happy to work at Manchester United as an assistant manager, irrespective of who is helming affairs in the United dugout.
“Staying here with Amorim? I’m here to help.
“Man United would be the only job I would take as an assistant. I have to say, I really enjoyed the role.
“I commit myself to the role of assistant manager, and I did it with great pride,” he said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.
As things stand, Nistelroy is not likely to exit the club with Erik ten Hag, who left with his coaching staff. With the support from the club’s hierarchy, he is expected to work closely with Amorim still as assistant manager.
We reported earlier that Amorim has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Manchester United till 2027, including the 2028 option. He will resume officially as the club’s manager on November 11, 2024.
The Portuguese has been tipped to recreate his heroics with Sporting Lisbon at United, helping return the team to a domestic and European giant.
