In a post on his personal page, former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy expressed his pride in his time at Man Utd and wished his old club success under coach Ruben Amorim.
“To everyone at Manchester United, especially the staff, players and fans,” Van Nistelrooy wrote on social network X on November 15. “From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for the incredible effort and support you have given me. It has been a privilege and an honor to be a part of this club as a player, assistant and manager, and I will always cherish the memories we have shared together.”
At the end of the post, he wished Man Utd would soon find success again: “Man Utd always has a special place in my heart, and I hope there will soon be many more glorious days at Old Trafford. Not only because I want the club to play well, but also because all of you deserve it.”
During his playing days, Van Nistelrooy played for Man Utd from 2001 to 2006. Here, he scored 150 goals in 219 matches, won one Premier League, one FA Cup, one League Cup and was the Premier League’s top scorer in the 2002-2003 season with 25 goals.
Van Nistelrooy turned to coaching after retiring in 2012. From an assistant role in the Dutch national team and PSV youth team, in the 2022-2023 season he became the head coach of the PSV first team, replacing Roger Schmidt. The 47-year-old former player helped PSV win the Dutch Cup and Super Cup, before leaving due to conflicts with the board of directors. In the summer of the 2024-2025 season, he returned to Man Utd, as assistant to Erik ten Hag.
Some of Van Nistelrooy’s Premier League goals for Man Utd.
After his compatriot was sacked on October 28, Van Nistelrooy was appointed as interim manager. Under his guidance, Man Utd achieved an impressive record of three wins and one draw in four matches.
However, after signing a two-and-a-half-year contract with Man Utd, new coach Ruben Amorim decided not to keep Van Nistelrooy on the coaching staff. Also leaving this time are assistant Rene Hake, goalkeeping coach Jelle ten Rouwelaar and match analyst Pieter Morel.
Currently, Man Utd is ranked 13th in the Premier League and 15th in the Europa League – a position that must play in the play-off.
According to British newspaper Sunsport, Van Nistelrooy is on Burnley’s radar. In the summer of 2024, this club was also interested in the Dutch coach, after Vincent Kompany moved to Bayern Munich. Burnley is currently fourth in the Championship, and aims to return to the Premier League next season.