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Manchester United interim head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy has penned an emotional letter to United fans and the club as he prepares to take over his last match as head coach tomorrow afternoon against Leicester City.
The former United striker re-joined the club in the summer as an assistant coach in a shake-up of Erik ten Hag’s coaching team.
The Red Devils had an horrendous start to the season however and at the end of October, Ten Hag paid the price with his job.
Van Nistelrooy was subsequently named interim manager for four matches, where he has overseen two wins and a draw in his first three matches.
His future after Sunday is up in the air however, as incoming head coach Ruben Amorim will bring a large number of his current staff from Sporting Lisbon to the club.
The legendary striker has made his opinion clear stating that he would love to stay on to help the team in anyway he can and is said to be very popular among the players. Despite this, it is reported that it seems unlikely at this stage that Amorim will keep on the coach as part of his team.
In his programme notes ahead of the clash against Leicester (via Centre Devils), he wrote “I would regardless like to thank everybody for making me feel so welcome and supported during my time in the role.”
He praised his connection with the supporters at Old Trafford by stating, “United fans have always held a special place in my heart but I can honestly say that my love for you all has only grown during this period.”
Van Nistelrooy outlined his desire to end the experience in the best way possible against Leicester and noted he “will cherish” the experience for the “rest of my life”.
The Dutchman went on to praise the history of the club but looked to the future and once again reiterated his desire to stay beyond the end of his interim coaching position.
“Now, however, I am here as a coach looking towards the future. When I do that, I see only good things for Manchester United. I absolutely believe that this club has all the ingredients to get back to the levels I knew as a player, but it will take a lot of hard work and determination from everyone around the club to get there.”
Van Nistelrooy urged supporters to “get behind” Amorim and suggested he would be doing exactly the same. He tried to reassure fans that there was much to be positive about the club despite their current league position stating, “I have worked with this squad every day since the summer and I can tell you that there is huge potential in these players, from the experienced pros down to the lads coming up through the academy.”
He did provide a final warning to the players however, claiming that they must “hold themselves accountable” and there is no “hiding place” at a club like United, especially in the media environment of today.
He signed off his emotional goodbye with the statement, “let me tell you, whether you’re a player or a coach, there is nothing like representing Manchester United Football Club.”
Irrespective of what happens with the Dutchman’s future, United fans have loved seeing the legendary goal poacher back at Old Trafford and will be grateful for the hard work he has put in during an incredibly challenging time in the club’s recent history.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
