‘I’m here to serve’ – Van Nistelrooy plans to be part of Amorim’s backroom staff

Ruud van Nistelrooy has made it clear he is willing to work as part of Ruben Amorim’s new coaching set-up after the interim Manchester United manager oversaw an entertaining win in his first match against Leicester City.

The win booked United’s place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals and the Reds will play Tottenham away in the next round following a 5-2 win over the Foxes at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag was sacked on Monday after a poor start to his third season in charge as the club decided to send him on his way after a 2-1 defeat to West Ham on Sunday.

This led to Van Nistelrooy being handed the job as caretaker boss until United find a permanent appointment. It is understood that the club is in the final stages of reaching an agreement with Sporting Lisbon to hire Ruben Amorim as Ten Hag’s successor.

However, United must pay the €10m termination clause in Amorim’s contract, as well as a waiver fee to avoid a notice period.

Asked if he is happy to remain in interim charge as negotiations for Amorim continue, Van Nistelrooy told Sky Sports (as quoted by ESPN): “Of course – I came here as an assistant to help the club.

“Now in this role I’m helping as long as I’m needed. And in the future in any capacity, I’m here to help the club further, to build towards the future and that’s what I’m here for.”

Will Amorim ask Van Nistelrooy to be part of his staff?

Van Nistelrooy, a favourite among the fans, is making it clear that he won’t be going anywhere unless he is shown the door. It wouldn’t be a bad idea for Amorim to keep a club legend like Ruud as a member of his staff, especially when we’ve seen how the players respond to him.

The former striker, who scored 150 goals for United, was pushed on whether he would work with the new coaching set-up. He replied: “As I said, I’m here to help, I’m here to serve, I’m here to give my everything for the club in any capacity with so many people here around me that want the best for the club and that will never change.”

It’s difficult to say whether Amorim will have a place for Van Nistelrooy on his staff, but INEOS should at least find a middle ground because Van Nistelrooy showed plenty of promise as a manager at PSV Eindhoven and last night’s performance was a clear improvement on what we’ve seen this season.