Ruud Van Nistelrooy Open To Manchester United Manager Role In Future, Ready To Return As Assistant.
Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has expressed his long-term ambition to become the permanent manager of the club, though he is prepared to step back into his role as assistant coach when Ruben Amorim takes charge on Monday. Van Nistelrooy, who returned to Old Trafford this summer as part of Erik ten Hag’s coaching team, assumed the interim manager role following Ten Hag’s dismissal on 28 October.
Under Van Nistelrooy’s temporary leadership, United have seen a boost in performance, winning two matches and drawing one. This Sunday, he will take charge of the team for the final time as they face Leicester City in the Premier League.
Reflecting on his career aspirations, the 48-year-old, who won the Dutch Cup in his only season managing PSV Eindhoven, revealed his desire to one day lead Manchester United on a permanent basis. However, he also made it clear that United holds a unique place in his heart, willing to put his ambitions on hold to support the club in an assistant capacity.
Asked about his future goals, Van Nistelrooy confirmed, “Yeah, of course,” when questioned if he would one day like to manage the 20-time English champions. He elaborated, “I thought this through well when I made the decision to come to United as an assistant. I knew that coming to Manchester United was a special occasion for me, where I wanted to be part of this journey with the club, even in an assistant role.”
Van Nistelrooy signed a two-year contract as an assistant and stated he remains committed to that role, saying, “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.”
As Van Nistelrooy steps aside for Amorim’s arrival, United fans may continue to watch his journey with anticipation, knowing that the club legend harbours ambitions to one day lead the team he once played for with distinction.
