Ruud van Nistelrooy admits it would mean a lot to him to hand over a Manchester United team unbeaten in four games to new head coach Ruben Amorim.
Van Nistelrooy would technically become the most successful manager in United’s history if he can win his final game as caretaker manager against Leicester City on Sunday and finish his temporary stint with a 75 per cent win ratio.
He is currently level with Michael Carrick, who had spell as interim manager after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked in November 2021.
Van Nistelrooy, who stepped in after Erik ten Hag left nearly two weeks ago, was asked if that would make him proud, and he replied: ‘Especially for the club. It was very important after I took over to stabilise the ship with results.
‘All of sudden we’re three games further in that. It passes so quickly and the last one, that’s the one also where it will mean a lot.
Ruud van Nistelrooy has admitted that he would love to hand over the Old Trafford reins to Ruben Amorim as an unbeaten interim manager
Amorim has already been confirmed as the next permanent manager of Manchester United
Man United were in dire need of their first Europa League victory prior to Thursday’s win over PAOK
‘First of all, it was a special period. It is still and I called it an important period because it was important to get through the four games as good we could.
‘We’ve done well so far. I’ve enjoyed it. The players have reacted very well during the games and the focus is to build on that on Sunday with a massive three points that are there to win. I don’t know if it will be very emotional, I take it very pragmatic but I am proud to fulfil this.’
Van Nistelrooy was also asked if he is handing over a team in better shape than the one he inherited, even though it has only been a fortnight.
‘I think the results in itself will make that happen,’ he added. ‘It’s easier to manage a team that has won two of the last three and had a decent point at home against a good side (Chelsea).
‘The connection with the fans is there and a short, good feeling that we can turn things around. That is what’s happening at the moment.
‘Of course, football being football, and especially in top-flight football, results are necessary and Sunday’s game in that is a big one.’
Van Nistelrooy still doesn’t know if he will have a role to play under Amorim, but is keen to stay and out his two-year contract.
‘We will see how I feel on Sunday and there’s not much more news from yesterday evening,’ he said. ‘Ruben and I are focusing on our teams and our games. He’s focusing on Braga and I’m focusing on Leicester.
The Dutchman enjoyed a huge 5-2 win over Leicester in the Carabao Cup in his first match
Amorim arrives at Old Trafford on Monday following just over four successful seasons with Sporting
‘Of course, I thought this through well when I made the decision to come to United as assistant coach. I knew that coming to Manchester United was for me a special occasion where I felt I wanted to be part of this journey with the club also in an assistant role.
‘I had 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 stay in that capacity.
‘I think also as an assistant you are quite close to players. 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 football players; where they are in that development and how I can help.
‘I think that relationship now is helping. We are together and we want to achieve something together, so that bond is there and that’s why I feel very supported. That gives a lot of energy and support, lots of confidence and energy and so far so good.’
