Ruud van Nistelrooy Addresses Interim Role, Ten Hag’s Departure, and Team Performance

Manchester United’s interim manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, addressed the media ahead of the Premier League match against Chelsea on Sunday, scheduled for a 16:30 GMT kick-off. The following are the main points from his press conference. Van Nistelrooy confirmed he would be leading the team at Old Trafford this weekend, stating: “I said that it was going to be a short job as an interim. That was communicated very clearly and I was happy with that. I felt that I was called upon to help the club forward in this situation.” Regarding his future at Manchester United, he commented: “I came here to help the club forward and I’m still very motivated to do so in any capacity. After being an interim manager, I will go back to my assistant contract that I have here for this season and next.” The ex-striker also expressed that his “absolute goal” is to stay with the club under the incoming permanent manager. He described Erik ten Hag’s departure from the club as “difficult” and “disappointing,” but noted he has since “switched the mindset” to concentrate on securing victories, acknowledging that “there are 75,000 people waiting [in the ground] and millions watching at home.” Van Nistelrooy met Ten Hag on Monday and conversed with him on Wednesday, prior to the Carabao Cup fixture against Leicester City. He further stated: “I really felt that he cared and loved the club. He wanted to bring this club forward. That is why we connected.” Additionally, he mentioned a conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson, who “wished him luck” before the cup match. Addressing the quick turnaround following the midweek game, he remarked: “I’m just thinking about preparing the team for each game. That’s the process that I’m in. I’m in this position for the short-term, so I’m only really thinking about one thing: doing the best that we can for every game coming up. There is a big one against Chelsea now.” Van Nistelrooy indicated it was “difficult” to comment on the club’s decision to commit to Ten Hag over the summer, subsequently investing approximately £200m in players, only to dismiss the manager two months into the season. He found it “interesting to think about” but acknowledged that “it happens so much in football now.” He further elaborated: “I don’t know what the process will be and how important it is that the new manager approves of the squad. He has a decision to come or not to come when he sees the squad. It is hard for me to comment but that would be the reaction from my side.” When asked about the current squad’s capability to contend at the top of the Premier League, he responded: “The task is to get the maximum out of these players. This season will give us a very good and clear picture of where the club is. Everybody is convinced that, with this set of players, we can and we have to do better than we are doing at the moment.”