‘That was hard’ – Ruud van Nistelrooy had ‘mixed feelings’ about taking Man Utd job after Erik ten Hag’s sacking

RUUD VAN NISTELROOY has admitted that he had “mixed feelings” after taking over as Manchester United caretaker boss.

The Dutchman, 48, was promoted to the role following Erik ten Hag’s sacking earlier this week.

Reuters

Ruud van Nistelrooy won his first game in caretaker charge on Wednesday[/caption]

Getty

Van Nistelrooy, 48, was brought to Old Trafford by Erik ten Hag in the summer[/caption]

Van Nistelrooy won his first game in charge on Wednesday, dumping Leicester out of the Carabao Cup with a 5-2 drubbing.

The Red Devils yesterday confirmed the appointment of Sporting coach Ruben Amorim.

With Amorim not available to begin work at Old Trafford until November 11, Van Nistelrooy will take charge of three more matches.

Ahead of tomorrow’s home clash with Chelsea, Van Nistelrooy sat down with United’s club media to preview the clash.

Reflecting upon his start to life in temporary charge, the former striker said: “Yeah, if I speak about the game, the reception, the connection with the crowd, and how the players reacted and how the players played, it was a great night.

“I enjoyed every second of it. Special, proud moment. Obviously the days before leading up to that were with mixed feelings.

“It was hard to see the manager go: the one who got me into the club, you know, the one who was fighting also for this club and cared a lot about the club.

“So that was hard. But I have to say that, after that, the crowd lifted our spirits and it was a great night in the end.”

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Having previously managed PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie, Van Nistelrooy joined Ten Hag’s staff as a first team coach in the summer.

SunSport revealed yesterday that United stars are desperate for Van Nistelrooy to be retained as part of Amorim’s coaching staff.

Following the win over Leicester, United’s former forward signalled that he wants to stay.

He told Sky Sports: “I came here as an assistant to help the club. Now in this role, I’m helping as long as needed.

“I’m here to help and serve and give my everything for the club in any capacity with so many people here around me that want the best for the club and that will never change.”