Van Nistelrooy sends clear message about Man Utd's future as focus shifts during his time in management

Manchester United interim manager Ruud van Nisterlooy has made it clear he wants to remain at the club, with his “focus” solely there, despite the fact he was “looking for management” before returning and has been granted that wish.

Van Nistelrooy has supervised two United matches after the dismissal of Erik ten Hag. The manager was given his marching orders on October 28, with the Red Devils in 14th place.

Before United appoint their next manager, Ruben Amorim, Van Nistelrooy has been given the opportunity to manage United – which will last until November 11 – just a few months after joining the club’s coaching staff.

Although he was already in management before taking over as assistant and reveals it was his wish to continue on that path, Van Nistelrooy now feels he would be best served by staying at Old Trafford.

“Before I came to United I was looking for a manager, there was no doubt about that. When United got this opportunity it was a fantastic opportunity for me.” he said Premier League productions.

“I wanted to be here and I put those (management ambitions) aside. For me it was a conscious decision to come here to help. I just want to stay and do the same thing and for me that’s my focus right now.”

Amorim said he had to push Van Nistelrooy out

But new manager Amorim brings with him his own coaching staff, and former Premier League striker Troy Deeney feels he should push Van Nistelrooy out when he steps into the building to take over.

‘Don’t arrest Ruud. You want to clear the decks once you get there, with only your people around you. Only then can you figure out what the problems are – and how to solve them,” he said.

But with the current interim coach under contract as an assistant for the entirety of next season, Amorim may have no choice.

However, he will have someone who knows what it’s like to win with the club, as Van Nistelrooy won a Premier League title, a League Cup and an FA Cup while playing for United.

Man Utd overview: Amorim ready to form United

As soon as he steps through the door, it seems like Amorim already has an idea of what he wants his team to look like.

TEAMtalk understands that he asked United that work on the signings of Goncalo Inacio, Marcus Edwards and Pedro Goncalvesall of whom currently play under him at Sporting CP.

He has also been linked with the signing of centre-back Ousmane Diomande, who will cost £70 million if United want to sign him.

However, United’s board has been warned to keep Amorim on a tight leash when it comes to signings. I don’t want a repeat of what happened with Erik ten Hag He signed players he knew and who perhaps weren’t fully aware of it yet.

Van Nistelrooy recent United timeline

Since Van Nistelrooy was appointed United assistant coach in the summer, things have moved quickly.

July 11 – Van Nistelrooy joins United as part of Ten Hag’s technical staff.

October 28 – Ten Hag is sacked with United 14th in the Premier League, resulting in Van Nistelrooy being appointed interim manager.

October 30 – Van Nistelrooy takes charge of his first United game, as they beat Leicester 5-2 in the League Cup.

November 3 – United drew their first Premier League match under Van Nistelrooy, holding fourth-place Chelsea to a 1–1 draw at Old Trafford.