Ruud van Nistelrooy has yet to speak to Ruben Amorim and says he has no idea when his Manchester United future will be clarified.
Van Nistelrooy is in charge on an interim basis with Sporting CP boss Amorim – who guided his side to a stunning 4-1 defeat of Manchester City last night – due to take over at Old Trafford on November 11.
The Dutchman worked as an assistant to countryman Erik ten Hag, who was sacked last week, and has openly said he would like to reprise that role under Amorim but it remains unclear if he will have a part in the new regime.
Matchday 4️⃣ in the @EuropaLeague approaches ✊#MUFC || #UEL pic.twitter.com/WCKFaw8DqZ
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 5, 2024
Speaking ahead of tomorrow night’s Europa League game with PAOK, Van Nistelrooy said: “No, I haven’t spoken with him. No contact so far, so no changes in that. I don’t know when either.”
Asked about his future, he added: “It’s difficult to comment on that now, I am waiting for conversations to take place. In the meantime the most important thing is getting the work done on a daily basis and in the game tomorrow in Europe.
“I have to say that I feel the responsibility to do well over the next week and that is my job. I am focused on that.
“I welcome Ruben, I am happy to help him and that is the situation at the moment.”
Van Nistelrooy hoping to leave United in good place for Amorim
United will try to register their first win in the Europa League this season against PAOK after successive draws against FC Twente, Porto and Fenerbahce. After that they host Leicester City in Van Nistelrooy’s final game in charge on Sunday.
There has been a lot of talk about how Amorim’s style will align with United’s current squad but Van Nistelrooy was unwilling to discuss that and said his role was about ensuring the Portuguese arrived at Old Trafford on the back of some good results.
“I’m so focused on the present, to comment on that [Amorim’s style] is very difficult. I’m putting all my energy into the current squad,” he said.
“To relate it to his playing style is a question I can’t answer because I am so focused on getting results. It is a vital two games for the season. I think I am doing the new manager the best favour by doing that.”
Look who’s back! 👋
❤️ @Leny_Yoro#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 6, 2024
Situation calm at Old Trafford
Van Nistelrooy has overseen a win – against Leicester in the EFL Cup – and a draw – against Chelsea on Sunday – in his two games in charge so far and admits the hullabaloo that accompanied Ten Hag’s dismissal has subsided.
He added: “Things have changed quickly and massively so to manage that was a big task. Now things have sort of calmed down and we are focused on the two performances we can build on.
“Tomorrow we must play with the same passion and commitment.”
United will be without long-term absentees Tyrell Malacia, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw for the PAOK game. Summer signing Leny Yoro returned to first-team training today but will be reintroduced to the squad gradually.
