Van Nistelrooy says Man United role has been ‘special’ | OneFootball

Ruud van Nistelrooy has said leading Manchester United on an interim basis has been a special period.

Van Nistelrooy will take charge of the Red Devils for the final time against Leicester this weekend, with Ruben Amorim set to begin his tenure next week.

The Dutchman has led United to wins in the Carabao Cup and Europa League, alongside a hard-fought draw with Chelsea in the Premier League last weekend.

Having returned to the club in the summer as an assistant to Erik ten Hag, his future is unclear despite admitting his desire to stay on at Old Trafford.

Van Nistelrooy said he could be ’emotional’ when leading the side out against the Foxes on Sunday.

“It has been a special period [to take charge] and it was important to get through the four games as well as we could,” he said at his pre-match press conference.

“We’ve done very well so far, the players reacted very well in the games. The focus is now to build on that and show that on Sunday with a big game ahead and a massive three points that are there to win.

“I don’t know if it will be emotional, I take it very pragmatic as well. I’m very proud to be able to fulfil this but we’ll see how it will feel on Sunday.

“Other than that, there’s not much more news from yesterday evening. Ruben and I are both focusing on our teams and our games.”

Asked how he has felt taking charge of the team in recent weeks, the 48-year-old added: “I’ve enjoyed it, it gave a lot of energy. The reaction of the players was outstanding.

“As an assistant, you are quite close to players, so in the past three months I’ve spent a lot of time with the players and got to know them very well as human beings and also as football players, where they are in their development and how I can help. I think that relationship is helping now that we are together and we want to achieve something together.

“That bond is there, I feel very supported so that gives a lot of energy, and the support of the fans obviously was amazing. That also gives lots of confidence and energy. So far, so good.”

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