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This is an archive article published on December 3, 2024
Ruud van Nistelrooy ‘hurt’ at being asked to leave Manchester United
Ruud van Nistelrooy says he quickly came to terms with his Manchester United departure after amicable talks with new manager Ruben Amorim.
Ruud van Nistelrooy sits in the stands during the Premier League match at the Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford on Saturday. (AP)
Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy revealed he was “hurt” his promising spell as Manchester United interim manager came to an end after Ruben Amorim was appointed manager of the club.
The former Dutch striker Van Nistelrooy impressed during his four games in charge after the sacking of Erik ten Hag. While he was politely told he couldn’t continue at the club, leaving them opened the doors for him to join Leicester City. His first game in charge of his new club is at home against West Ham on Tuesday.
Van Nistelrooy said that though he was disappointed, quickly came to terms with his departure after amicable talks with Amorim.
He says he’s fully focused and ready to “work around the clock” to lift Leicester, who are a point above the Premier League relegation zone after Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Brentford.
“I was disappointed, yeah, very much so, and it hurt that I had to leave,” the 48-year-old said. “The only job I would take as an assistant was at United because of the bond that I have with the people in the club and the fans. But in the end I got my head round it because I also understand the new manager. I spoke to Ruben about it, the conversation was grateful, man to man, person to person, manager to manager, and that helped a lot to move on and straightaway get into talks with new possibilities which of course lifted my spirits.”
Van Nistelrooy said the ultimate target for Leicester City, promoted as champions last season is survival in the Premier League. Leicester are 16th in the Premier League after a run of six games without a win and Van Nistelrooy said he is ready for a relegation scrap.
“I know what it is to fight. I know what it is like when you have to fight for every result and where you have to work around the clock to get better, to improve, that’s what I always was like in my playing days and also managing. I don’t have a problem with that, growing up and getting better bit by bit. That’s how I am.”
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