Ruud van Nistelrooy, one of Manchester United’s most cherished figures, has reportedly been left devastated after being told he would not be part of new manager Ruben Amorim’s coaching staff.

The news, shared by Simon Mullock in The Mirror, highlights the emotional toll of a decision that has left the Dutchman re-evaluating his coaching future in England.

Having returned to Old Trafford in the summer as part of Erik ten Hag’s backroom team, Van Nistelrooy had hoped to secure a coaching position under Amorim’s regime. Yet, Amorim, who brought his trusted staff from Sporting Lisbon, opted to exclude Van Nistelrooy. This decision came despite the former United striker’s impressive stint as interim manager, during which he went unbeaten in four matches, including a draw with Chelsea and three wins.

Close friend and former colleague Andre Ooijer shed light on Van Nistelrooy’s feelings: “Ruud wanted to stay as assistant. He would have said something if he wasn’t interested in working with Amorim. 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.”

Fans had shown their appreciation for Van Nistelrooy during his brief managerial stint, a sentiment that further underscores the frustration many feel over this missed opportunity.

Van Nistelrooy’s coaching career had been on an upward trajectory, marked by success at PSV Eindhoven, where he secured Champions League qualification, the KNVB Cup, and the Johan Cruyff Shield. Rejecting an offer from Burnley in the summer to work alongside Ten Hag demonstrated his commitment to United. However, his departure has left the 48-year-old now focusing on securing a managerial position elsewhere in the Premier League.

Dutch football icon Wesley Sneijder believes Van Nistelrooy’s story at United is far from over, predicting a return to Old Trafford in the future: “If United are clever – and I am sure that this is what they are doing – they will get Ruud ready to take over in two or three years.”

Sneijder’s optimism is shared by Rafael van der Vaart, who emphasised Van Nistelrooy’s connection to the club and fans: “Ruud’s moment will come. The job really suits him. Ruud is the king at Old Trafford. Everyone loves him because he is a legend. He absolutely loves the club and the club loves him.”

Chelsea-linked Victor Osimhen is not planning on moving away from loan side Galatasaray mid-season, despite previous talk surrounding a break clause in his deal with the Turkish club. The in-demand striker signed a season-long loan with Galatasaray from Italian outfit Napoli this summer.

That move came after Chelsea attempted to make a late push for Osimhen on deadline day, but were unable to complete a transfer. It left the frontman not playing for Napoli and in search of a new club.

With the Turkish window remaining open, at that juncture, Galatasaray pushed through a loan deal. It’s, however, been widely reported that the deal could be cut short should one of 10 teams meet the star’s reported £63million release clause when January rolls around.

Given their interest in the summer, there has been talk that Chelsea could potentially reignite the push when the January transfer window opens. It now, however, seems that the player has eyes on remaining at Galatasaray.

Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has reported that Osimhen ‘isn’t planning’ to leave mid-season and that ‘talks’ have taken place about a permanent move – with the player suggesting that staying is an ‘option’.

There is, though, a stumbling block in Napoli’s asking price. The Italian club want a fee of £62.7million (€75million) in the summer window, which would make a move ‘almost impossible’ for Galatasaray.

Osimhen has quickly established himself as a fans’ favourite in Istanbul so far this season. In his nine matches, in all competitions, he has scored eight goals and provided four assists.

The Nigerian has scored a brace in his last two appearances – including two goals in the 3-2 Europa League victory over Tottenham. He also scored for Nigeria during the international break in the 1-1 draw against Benin on Thursday.

Chelsea are continuing to be linked with a move for Victor Osimhen as the January transfer window moves ever closer.

The Blues have been credited with an interest in signing Osimhen for several transfer windows and made an attempt to bring the striker to Stamford Bridge last summer.

Osimhen and Napoli decided to part ways earlier this year, which led to the striker eventually completing a loan move to Galatasaray.

As part of the deal, there is reported to be a break clause that could be activated if an offer is made during the January transfer window. However, only 10 clubs are rumoured to be on the list of teams that could activate the clause, with Chelsea said to be one of them.

The move to Galatasaray also saw Osimhen reportedly have his release clause lowered from more than £100million to around £62.5million. It remains to be seen, though, if Chelsea will look to try and sign the Nigeria international when the transfer window reopens in the New Year.

Since moving to Turkey, Osimhen has scored eight goals with four assists across nine appearances for Galatasaray and continues to be linked with a transfer to a new club in January, with Chelsea mentioned as a potential destination.

Should the Blues try to sign Osimhen in the New Year, there are several squad number options that could be given to the striker. Namely, the No.9 shirt is available to new signings, having previously been worn by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang until the end of the 2022/23 season.

There are several other options that Chelsea could choose to give Osimhen as his squad number should a move to Stamford Bridge happen.