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.”
