Van Nistelrooy Would Like To Lead Manchester United In The Future

Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former Manchester United striker, said that he would like to one day manage the club permanently. But for now he’s happy to just go back to his assistant coach job when Ruben Amorim takes over as manager next week.

Van Nistelrooy’s Short-Term Success at Manchester United

The Dutchman took over as interim manager at Manchester United after Erik ten Hag was sacked on 28 October. Van Nistelrooy’s limited spell in charge has yielded two victories and one defeat, most recently United’s crucial 2-0 UEFA Europa League win against Greek toppers PAOK, United’s first European result in more than a year.

Van Nistelrooy, who remains with United until 2026, has established himself as an effective interim manager. He will head out for the fourth and final time, against Leicester in the Premier League this Sunday, before Ruben Amorim takes over.

"I called it a special time because I think we just wanted to finish the four games as well as we could," Van Nistelrooy said. "The guys have been able to do that and it’s just about getting out there and finishing strong, especially with a big game coming up."

Van Nistelrooy’s Possibilities at Old Trafford van Nistelrooy’s Possibilities at Old Trafford

Although his reign as interim manager is coming to an end, Van Nistelrooy has indicated he would love the opportunity of managing Manchester United full-time in the future. The former striker came back to Old Trafford in the summer to be part of Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff. But when Ten Hag was ousted, Van Nistelrooy replaced him temporarily.

"I pondered this a lot when I decided to move to United as an assistant manager or assistant coach," Van Nistelrooy said. "I knew that coming to Manchester United was special. I wished to be a part of this process, even as an assistant. I’ve always wanted to be a manager, but I was hired as an assistant for two years and I’m in the mood still to remain that way.

Van Nistelrooy’s deal expires in 2026, but his future remains unclear. As Amorim will have his own coaching team in place when he takes over, it is unclear if Van Nistelrooy will stay at United full-time. The Dutchman, however, has made it obvious that he only wants to pass the baton on as much as possible before Amorim comes in.

"I’m trying to grind these four games out as best I can," he said. "It’s been a good time for me and now we’re trying to get it wrapped up.

Fletcher Touchline Ban and Injury Reports

Manchester United manager Darren Fletcher also extended his touchline ban to three games and paid a £7,500 fine following an altercation with players during the Red Devils’ Premier League victory over Brentford on 19 October. The Football Association (FA) charged Fletcher with offence for his inappropriate conduct towards match officials during the match.

On the injury front, United’s winger Amad Diallo will be out for Sunday’s Premier League game against Leicester after scoring two goals in United’s Europa League victory over PAOK. Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire are also recovering, and Luke Shaw, out since February, has stepped up to training.

Shaw’s inclusion in the group comes at a welcome change for United, who have dealt with injuries to Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount and Leny Yoro throughout the season.

Amorim Will Preside Next Week

Ruben Amorim will take over at Manchester United on Monday, after Van Nistelrooy was temporarily placed in interim charge. The Portuguese coach will have nearly two weeks to get ready for his first team debut at Ipswich while most of the first-team players are on international duty.

With Van Nistelrooy’s interim spell coming to an end, everything will be on Amorim’s hands as to what changes he will bring to the squad and coaching staff. We will never know whether Van Nistelrooy will remain at Old Trafford as a coach under the new manager or if he opts to move elsewhere.

Van Nistelrooy’s hopes of managing Manchester United permanently remain alive but for now he is trying to get Amorim off the ground when he takes over next week.