Ruud van Nistelrooy has expressed a clear desire to become the permanent manager of Manchester United at some point in his career. This ambition comes as he approaches what is likely to be his final match in a temporary managerial role for the club. After taking over as interim head coach following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, the former United striker has enjoyed a positive, if brief, stint at the helm. Under his leadership, Manchester United has achieved two wins and one draw in three matches, which has pleased many fans and led to speculation about his potential future as a full-time manager.
Van Nistelrooy preparing for Amorim "conversation" next week
Van Nistelrooy is expected to speak with Amorim about his plans on Monday, with Man United in action against Leicester on Sunday afternoon before Sporting tackle Braga in the evening.
"That's a good question actually [advice for Amorim]. It's good to wrap it up after Sunday and of course I've been in for the three months in the season and this short spell. From there on, I think it'd be very good to wrap it all up and have that conversation. It's a good question. I'm going to start thinking about it," he added.
Van Nistelrooy, known for his prolific goal-scoring during his playing days with United, was handed the interim managerial role late last month. His appointment came in the wake of Erik ten Hag's departure, which marked the end of a disappointing tenure that failed to meet the expectations of both fans and the club's board. Van Nistelrooy's familiarity with the club, his passion for Manchester United, and his reputation as a former United star made him a suitable short-term option to steady the ship while the club sought a long-term solution.
Van Nistelrooy wants Man United managerial role on a full-time basis
"Yeah of course I thought this through well when I made the decision to come to United as an assistant coach," he told reporters when asked whether he could see himself as the club's permanent manager.
"I thought that through. I knew that coming to Man Utd was for me a special occasion where I felt I want to be part of this journey with the club, in an assistant role. I have 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 be fair, to stay in that capacity.
"I've enjoyed it. I've enjoyed it. It gave a lot of energy. I think the reaction of the players was outstanding. I think also as an assistant, you are quite close to players. So the past three months I spent a lot of time with the players and got to know them very well, as human beings but also as footballers, where they are in their development and how I can help.
As the interim manager, Van Nistelrooy quickly set about making tactical adjustments and instilling confidence in the players. His approach has yielded encouraging results, with Manchester United recording two victories and a single draw in his three games in charge. The team’s performance under his leadership has been praised for its organization and energy, two qualities that fans had felt were lacking in recent games before his arrival. Van Nistelrooy’s ability to motivate and connect with the players has also been evident, and he has earned considerable respect from the squad during this brief period. His positive impact has sparked discussions among fans and pundits alike about his potential to lead the club permanently.
This Sunday, Van Nistelrooy will lead Manchester United in a Premier League match against Leicester City, a game that could provide a fitting end to his short but impactful tenure as interim manager. Following this fixture, however, he is set to step aside to make way for Ruben Amorim, the Portuguese manager who has been appointed as United's new head coach. Amorim, who has earned a strong reputation for his work at Sporting Lisbon, is expected to officially take over on November 11. His arrival marks the beginning of a new era, as the club seeks to turn the page on recent managerial struggles and establish a more stable and successful leadership structure.
Despite the impending arrival of Amorim, Van Nistelrooy’s future at the club remains uncertain. While he may have the option to resume his former position as assistant manager, there are indications that Amorim intends to bring several members of his own staff from Sporting Lisbon to Manchester United. This approach is common when a new head coach takes over, as it allows them to work with trusted colleagues who understand their system and philosophy. If Amorim decides to make sweeping changes to the coaching staff, Van Nistelrooy may find himself without a role at the club, potentially prompting him to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Regardless of what happens next, Van Nistelrooy has made it clear that he has long-term ambitions to manage Manchester United on a permanent basis. In a recent interview, he shared his admiration for the club and spoke about his desire to lead United as head coach, not just in an interim capacity. He expressed confidence in his abilities and stated that managing a club of Manchester United’s stature is one of his ultimate career goals. Van Nistelrooy's comments reflect his deep connection to the club, dating back to his playing days when he became one of the most revered strikers in United’s history. He believes that his understanding of the club's culture, coupled with his growing experience as a coach, could make him an ideal candidate for the managerial role in the future.
For now, however, Van Nistelrooy is focused on finishing his current stint as interim manager on a high note, with a strong performance against Leicester City. His tenure has already provided a glimpse of his potential as a leader, and his achievements in these few games will likely bolster his reputation as an emerging coach in European football. Whether he remains with Manchester United in an assistant capacity or pursues other coaching opportunities, Van Nistelrooy's future looks bright. His ambition to manage United permanently will likely remain a central goal, and he may choose to continue developing his coaching skills at other clubs in preparation for such an opportunity.
In the meantime, Manchester United fans will be closely watching Ruben Amorim’s tenure and the direction he takes the club. However, with Van Nistelrooy’s enduring connection to United and his recent successful spell as interim manager, many supporters may hope that he will one day return to Old Trafford as the club’s permanent head coach.
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