‘Mixed emotions’ – Van Nistelrooy addresses Ten Hag sacking in pre-match programme notes

Manchester United’s interim head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy took the pre-match programme notes for the first time ahead of tonight’s Carabao Cup Fourth Round tie against Leicester City.

Van Nistelrooy admits he has “mixed emotions” ahead of his first game in charge of the club after the sacking of Erik ten Hag.

It will still be an incredibly proud moment for Van Nistelrooy to sit in the hot seat for the club he loves, and one he represented so well as a player.

The Dutchman scored 150 goals in five seasons under Sir Alex Ferguson during his playing career.

“As I am sure everyone can imagine, I am writing these notes with a huge amount of mixed emotions,” Van Nistelrooy said in the programme for the cup fixture, as quoted by ESPN.

“Erik ten Hag brought me back to Manchester United in the summer and, while I have only been part of the coaching staff here for a few months, I will always be grateful to him for giving me the opportunity, and I am saddened to see him leave.

“Even on an interim basis, it is a great honour to manage the club I love for however long I am asked to do so. I can promise that I will continue to give my all, in whatever capacity, to try to turn around our fortunes.

“Despite our results, I am loving being back at Old Trafford and working with the team and staff every day. We’ve seen the squad’s potential at times this season, but clearly not often enough.”

New era starts now but how long does Ruud van Nistelrooy last?

Van Nistelrooy also spoke of a new era and urged fans to get behind the team, knowing well that they will because the support remained throughout Ten Hag’s reign in charge. Even when results weren’t going well, the fans stood behind the team no matter what.

“Now is the time for everyone at the club to work together, give everything and turn this season around while we have time. From my experiences as both a player and a coach here, I can say for sure that when players, staff and supporters pull together, Manchester United can be unstoppable,” he said.

It remains to be seen how long Van Nistelrooy will remain at Old Trafford or if Ruben Amorim has different ideas once he arrives from Sporting.