Ruud van Nistelrooy’s time at Manchester United has come to an end as the Dutchman was not offered a place on the coaching staff under new manager Ruben Amorim. Van Nistelrooy, who is a revered figure at Old Trafford both as a player and a coach, took on an interim managerial role following the departure of Erik ten Hag but has now exited the club.
The 48-year-old Dutch football legend stepped up to lead the first team on a temporary basis after fellow Dutchman Ten Hag was dismissed. Appointed as assistant coach in July on a two-year contract, Van Nistelrooy led the Red Devils to an impressive spell as caretaker manager, achieving three wins and a draw in his four matches. Despite his strong interim performance, Amorim, who recently took over the reins at Old Trafford, has opted not to retain Van Nistelrooy for his coaching staff.
“Ruud is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend,” the club said in an official statement confirming his departure. “We are grateful for his contribution and the way in which he has approached his role throughout his time with the club. He will always be very welcome at Old Trafford.”
The departure of Van Nistelrooy also sees fellow coaches Rene Hake, Jelle ten Rouwelaar, and Pieter Morel leaving their roles at the club. However, there is continuity in the backroom as former United midfielder Darren Fletcher will remain, continuing his position that bridges the first team and the academy. United have assured fans that they will soon announce the full structure of Amorim’s first-team coaching staff.
Ruben Amorim, the 39-year-old Portuguese tactician, was appointed on a two-and-a-half-year deal earlier this month. After completing his commitments with Sporting CP, he arrived in the UK on Monday, greeted at the Carrington training ground by club chief executive Omar Barrada and given a comprehensive tour of the facilities. Amorim has just under two weeks during the international break to prepare for his first match at the helm—a Premier League clash against Ipswich on 24 November.
As the club transitions under Amorim’s leadership, there is anticipation around how his new vision will shape the future of Manchester United, while fans bid farewell to a beloved former player who has always left his mark on the club, on and off the pitch.
