Ruud van Nistelrooy may not know when he’ll get another chance like this, to lead Manchester United to a thrilling win at Old Trafford.
After United’s 5-2 triumph over Leicester, Van Nistelrooy first shook hands with Leicester’s manager Steve Cooper before heading to the center of the pitch, where he shared warm embraces with his players, notably a special one with Casemiro, who had scored twice. Then, in a scene reminiscent of his playing days, he walked towards the Stretford End, raising his fists in a moment of celebration that resonated with fans.
Before the game, Van Nistelrooy had expressed his intent to put on an exciting performance, telling Sky Sports, “We want to get a lot of the ball, attack, and try to give the fans a good night.” And he delivered on that promise.
Some fans, like Roshelle from Wythenshawe, wish the role could be his more permanently. “I would have preferred it if Ruud had got the job,” she said before the match. “He has all the history with the club. I didn’t even know who Amorim was. He may be unbeaten in his own country, but that’s not here. Ruud played here; he knows the game here.” Still, she acknowledged that if Amorim is the club’s choice, she hopes he brings the long-missed stability United needs.
For now, Van Nistelrooy remains willing to support United “in any capacity,” as he shared post-game. His immediate role will be conducting the pre-match press conference for United’s upcoming game against Chelsea on Sunday. There’s a growing sense that Amorim might not join until after the international break in late November, giving Van Nistelrooy a bit more time on the touchline.
United fans have seen interim managers succeed before: Ryan Giggs won 4-0 against Norwich after Moyes’ departure, Michael Carrick saw victory against Villarreal, and Solskjaer’s interim start was marked by a five-goal opener at Cardiff. “I’ll text Ole about this,” Van Nistelrooy joked to MUTV, reflecting on the tradition of legendary United figures stepping up.
While the Leicester performance saw United score four in the first half—a feat they hadn’t managed under Ten Hag—Van Nistelrooy candidly admitted United had crafted better chances in earlier games this season.
Leicester’s Steve Cooper found the Old Trafford atmosphere less intimidating than expected, but United fans were vocal, fully behind Van Nistelrooy and his team. Focused and immersed, Van Nistelrooy was even gently guided back to his technical area by the fourth official early in the game. When Casemiro scored, his celebration was that of a manager reliving the passion he’d felt on the same field as a player.
Van Nistelrooy’s pride was clear as he gave encouraging words to Rashford and Garnacho during their substitutions. The Dutchman, once a prolific striker himself, understands the critical role confidence plays for forwards.
Though it remains unclear what Ten Hag or even Amorim thought of United’s emphatic victory and upcoming quarter-final against Tottenham, Van Nistelrooy surely relished the moment. However many days he has left in this role, he can take pride in knowing he gave his best—and thoroughly enjoyed every second of it.
SOURCE: BBC
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