Ruud van Nistelrooy’s ex-assistant takes shot at Rúben Amorim, reveals true feelings behind Manchester United departure

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s former PSV assistant has taken a shot at Rúben Amorim, revealing the Manchester United legend’s thoughts on his departure.

Ruud van Nistelrooy has left Manchester United this week, just five months into his role, due to the arrival of Rúben Amorim as the new head coach.

The former Dutch striker came on board in July as part of a major shake-up of Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff, but his position became uncertain after Ten Hag’s dismissal last month.

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During his brief tenure, Van Nistelrooy managed four games with United’s first team, securing two victories over Leicester City, a win against PAOK, and drawing with Chelsea in the Premier League.

However, with Amorim’s appointment, the club announced on Monday that Van Nistelrooy, along with three other members of the backroom team, would be departing.

Van Nistelrooy’s true feelings

Van Nistelrooy’s former assistant at PSV, Andre Ooijer, has revealed that Van Nistelrooy really wanted to stay on as an assistant as he wanted to continue working at his favourite club.

“Ruud wanted to stay as assistant. He would have said something if he wasn’t interested in working with Amorim,” Ooijer told The Mirror.

“Ruud has had the chance to be manager or head coach at other clubs, but he deliberately did not take those jobs because he wanted to work at the club he loves most.”

However, Amorim has since brought in six of his own background staff, leaving no space for Van Nistelrooy to operate at the club.

Ooijer shot at Amorim

However, Ooijer also chose his moment to hand a warning at Amorim, explaining that should the 39-year-old’s tenure not get off to a good start, fans mat be calling for Van Nistelrooy to return.

The ex-Netherlands defender added: “Don’t forget Ruud did really well at United, a draw against Chelsea and victories in the other three matches.

“You could tell the fans liked him so much. You only had to watch how they reacted to him after his last match.

“He did so well under difficult circumstances. He has stayed unbeaten as a manager. If Amorim does not get the right results in the first few games, the crowd could start calling again for Ruud.”

This is unlikely. United fans have taken to Amorim very quickly, and with the Portuguese coach set to take charge of training for the first time next week, players and fans are excited to see what he can bring.

Beyond this, Amorim is also seen by the club as part of their long-term project to restore United to their former glories, and will not be leaving Old Trafford any time soon.

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