Former PSV Eindhoven boss Ruud Van Nistelroy has exited the reigns as Manchester United interim manager as Ruben Amorim takes as new boss.
Manchester United confirmed in a club statement that the former player-turned-manager has left the club after joining former manager Erik ten Hag’s backroom staff in the summer.
“Manchester United can confirm that Ruud van Nistelrooy has left the club. Ruud rejoined in the summer and has taken charge of the team for the past four matches as interim head coach.
“Ruud is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend.
“We are grateful for his contribution and the way in which he has approached his role throughout his time with the club. He will always be very welcome at Old Trafford,” United club statement reads.
Why Ruud Van Nistelroy is leaving Manchester United
Ruud Van Nistelroy’s imminent exit from Manchester United was envisaged after the club confirmed the appointment of former Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim as the new manager following the sack of Erik ten Hag.
The former Man United player joined Erik ten Hag’s assistant coaching ranks in the summer. After Erik ten Hag was sacked, he was retained as manager in an interim capacity.
Meanwhile, United had concluded plans to onboard Ruben Amorim as the new manager.
As part of the agreement with Ruben Amorim, the then-expected new manager was to join United with his backroom staff from Sporting Lisbon.
Futballnews understands Manchester United were interested in keeping Nistelroy in the club’s coaching ranks with Amorim. However, it was left for the Sporting Lisbon boss to decide whether to keep him or not.
What Ruben Amorim said about Ruud Van Nistelroy
Ruben Amorim arrived to take charge of Manchester United as the new manager on Monday, November 11, 2024. On arrival, he was quizzed on whether he would work with Ruud Van Nistelroy or not.
Responding to the query, the two-time Primeira Liga winner said he has a lot of respect for Ruud Van Nistelroy but will have to speak with him first.
“I respect Ruud a lot. But will have to speak to him first before a decision.”
A few hours after the conversation, United confirmed Ruud Van Nistelroy will leave the club. It is believed Amorim and Ruud had decided not to work together for reasons best known to the duo.
Ruud Van Nistelroy’s performance as interim Man United manager
Ruud Van Nistelroy created an instant impact in the Man United dugout after assuming the reins as interim boss. He immediately led the club to turn a corner away from the drop-off in Erik ten Hag’s rein.
Under his watch, Manchester United defeated Leicester City in their first match after Ten Hag’s sack.
He ended the team’s winless run in the Europa League, defeating Greek side POAK 2-0 at Old Trafford.
Against Chelsea, he drew 1-1, salvaging a point against the domestic high-flyers. In his final match as United interim manager, Ruud van Nistelroy aced it with his third win, defeating Leicester City again in the Premier League.
United fans were already hopeful of retaining him as manager following his impressive shift as interim boss. However, the Dutchman will now be pursuing his managerial career away from Old Trafford.
Nistelroy worked as PSV Eindhoven’s manager on a three-year contract at the beginning of the 2022–23 season. He won the Johan Cruyff Shield and the KNVB Cup but later resigned with a match left to the end of the season due to a lack of support.
With his standout and impressive stint as United Assistant and interim manager, the former footballer is expected to land another offer.
