Ruud van Nistelrooy urged Manchester United’s players to give everything for new head coach Ruben Amorim in his final address before an emotional exit this week, according to reports. And the Old Trafford icon is said to be holding out hope of a return in the future as he prepares to resume his managerial career elsewhere.
Van Nistelrooy’s positive rapport with the United dressing room was exhibited through the many farewell messages from players on social media this week.
Red Devils stars also publicly called for the Dutchman to stay after Erik ten Hag‘s sacking left his status up in the air just a few months on from his heralded summer return.
Amorim started work at Carrington on Monday and, as one of his first tasks, informed Van Nistelrooy that his services were no longer required.
The Portuguese coach is set to bring five members of his Sporting backroom staff with him to Manchester, as well as an analyst.
Thus, on Monday, United announced the departures of Van Nistelrooy, Rene Hake, Jelle ten Rouwelaar and Pieter Morel.
Ahead of his departure, the 48-year-old reportedly explained to the dressing room that he was delighted to have had the opportunity to return 18 years after his fractious exit as a player.
The Sun claim that he made his ambition to land back at Old Trafford again later in his career clear, insisting the period had boosted his managerial career and relationship with United.
Van Nistelrooy is also said to have pleaded his case to the hierarchy because of his love for the club but ultimately accepted that Amorim would want total control.
The report adds that he made one parting demand to the players: to get behind Amorim at the start of the latest new dawn of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
Van Nistelrooy strengthened his strong relationship with the United fanbase throughout a successful tenure as interim manager.
He now boasts the highest win rate of any manager in the club’s illustrious history, winning three and drawing one of his four matches at the helm.
Van Nistelrooy has left United in a better state than he inherited from Ten Hag last month, first overseeing progression to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals with a 5-2 win against Leicester City.
That special night at Old Trafford was the first time the Red Devils scored five or more goals against Premier League opposition since before Ten Hag’s reign.
United also earned their first Europa League win of the season against PAOK, having surrendered leads to draw all three opening games.
And a 1-1 draw with Chelsea and a 3-0 victory over Leicester in the Premier League has left the M16 giants in 13th but just four points off third.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk