Manchester United interim head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy has said he will “help and serve” the club for as long as he is needed after he oversaw a 5-2 win against Leicester in his first match in charge after the club sacked Erik ten Hag on Monday.
United are working on a deal to appoint Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim, but Van Nistelrooy insisted on Sky Sports post-match that he would be keen to remain at Old Trafford in a new coaching setup.
When asked if he would stay if United wanted to keep him on, he said: “Of course. I came here as an assistant, to help the club, and now on this role I’m helping as long as I’m needed.
“In the future in any capacity I am here to help the club further, to build towards the future. That’s what I’m here for. I’m here to help, I’m here to serve, I’m here to give my everything for the club. There are so many people round me that want the best for the club and that will never change.”
Tottenham Hotspur will host Manchester United in the quarter finals of the Carabao Cup, while holders Liverpool travel to Southampton.
United, who won the tournament in 2023, will play Spurs — who eliminated Manchester City in the last 16 this evening. Tottenham’s last major trophy was in 2008 in this competition.
Southampton, who edged out Championship side Stoke City on Tuesday night, will host Liverpool. The south-coast club defeated Liverpool at the semi-final stage in the 2017 tournament.
Elsewhere, there is a London derby between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park, while 2023 finalists Newcastle United — who defeated Chelsea 2-0 on Wednesday — play host to Brentford.
United’s interim boss was delighted with his team’s performance.
He said: “I couldn’t ask for more. The first goal was unbelievable, top goal, top corner. Then you also need some luck. The double post, came back to Casemiro. But the first one is in then you see more goals are coming. Good goal by Garna, good assist by Diogo. Do I have all five covered? Bruno… great night.”
Van Nistelrooy was particularly pleased for Casemiro: “I was delighted for Case. The way he’s been training, helping the team and the club, It’s such an example. You also see the crowd’s reaction, you see what he’s about. I’m delighted to have him around. He is an example for us. I was happy for him.”
The manager also singled out Bruno Fernandes for praise, adding: “It’s fantastic. I wasn’t worried about him because I see him every day in training, the way he’s helping the team. He’s taking a lot on his shoulders.
“He’s so responsible for everything within the club. Today he was free, go out and play well. I was delighted for him. Hopefully there are more to come.”
Manchester United’s negotiations with Sporting Lisbon centre on the date Ruben Amorim will be allowed to start working at Old Trafford, but progress is being made.
Sporting want Amorim to stay in charge for the next important games, including against Manchester City on Tuesday and Braga on November 10. They are also demanding extra compensation to allow the departure of the coaches Amorim would like to join him.
Should Sporting be allowed to keep Amorim as desired, he would join United during the international break, with his first game being away to Ipswich on November 24.
Ruud van Nistelrooy would then have four games in charge, as well as Leicester City in the Carabao Cup, adding in Chelsea in the Premier League, PAOK in the Europa League, and Leicester again in the Premier League.
Former United striking legend sees his club score five goals in his first match as temporary manager? Old Trafford in October 2024 had the feel of Cardiff City Stadium in December 2018 with Van Nistelrooy cast in the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer role this time.
Nearly everything United touched turned to goals against Leicester, starting with Casemiro’s screamer that kissed the angle of post and bar.
Later on Van Nistelrooy put on Rasmus Hojlund to join Joshua Zirkzee, and gave a run out to 18-year-old striker Ethan Wheatley.
He was making his mark while he has the chance.
Ruud van Nistelrooy certainly looked the part as he strode down the touchline before kick-off. Gone was the tracksuit he wore as Erik ten Hag’s assistant, and in came a polo neck, trousers and smart winter coat, very visibly a man in charge.
How long he has the United reins remains to be seen, and it is not yet clear what Amorim’s intentions would be with Van Nistelrooy, who has impressed people at Carrington. His first game in charge was certainly entertaining.
Van Nistelrooy’s arms shot skywards after Casemiro's opener, and three more celebrations followed in the first half as United remembered how to finish. Ten Hag must have been sat wondering where this shooting was at West Ham.
After the second goal, they sang Van Nistelrooy's name to the tune of Karma Chameleon, and after the fourth it was the more rudimentary “Ruud, Ruud, Ruud”. Either way, these supporters enjoyed having him in the Old Trafford hot seat.
Supporters have been having their say in The Athletic's discussion tab at the top of the page and clickable here.
United fan Burhanuddin S says: Feels so good to finally see them win honestly 🫠
Kevin F continues the optimism: Bring on Chelsea! 👍🏻🤞🏻 Let’s see if we can shackle Palmer and beat them… Not taking a lot from that match tbh but glad we’re in the next round. C’mon United!
While Paul S concludes: These players are a disgrace, but yes Dalot still can't defend so hopefully backup for the rest of the season 🤞 If I was Ineos I would withhold their wages for a while to show this is unacceptable no matter who is in charge, fuming!
They won 5-2, Paul!