Van Nistelrooy: Proud to Temporarily Coach Manchester United

Ruud van Nistelrooy expressed sadness over Erik ten Hag’s recent departure from Manchester United but said he felt honored to take on the role of interim manager as long as needed.

Ten Hag was dismissed on Monday with the team in 14th place in the Premier League standings.

Van Nistelrooy, 48, joined Ten Hag’s staff as an assistant in July and was appointed interim manager on Monday, taking charge for the League Cup match against Leicester City on Wednesday at Old Trafford.

“Erik brought me back to Manchester United in the summer,” said the former Dutch international on the club’s website. “Although I’ve only been part of the staff for a few months, I’ll always be grateful to him for the opportunity, and I’m saddened to see him go.”

Van Nistelrooy added, “When I returned in the summer as Erik’s assistant, it was because I believed Manchester United could return to the level I knew here as a player.”

“Even on a temporary basis, it’s a great honor to manage the club I love for any length of time needed. I can promise you that I’ll continue giving my all to turn things around however possible.”

While Van Nistelrooy was expected to be a candidate for the permanent role, Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim has emerged as a leading contender after informing United that the Lisbon club is prepared to negotiate his 10 million euro ($10.79 million) release clause.