Manchester United interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has insisted there is “potential” in one area of the squad that Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim will inherit.
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s interim managerial spell at Old Trafford will come to an end on Sunday after Manchester United’s encounter with Leicester City.
The 48-year-old former United and Netherlands striker took charge of the Red Devils last week after Erik ten Hag was sacked by the Premier League club.
Van Nistelrooy returned to Old Trafford in the summer and took a place in Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff at United, with the Dutchman appointed interim manager.
However, United’s poor start to the 2024-25 campaign led to Ten Hag’s dismissal and Van Nistelrooy is expected to leave Old Trafford at the end of the week.
Ruben Amorim will permanently succeed Ten Hag as United manager and the Sporting CP boss will arrive at the Premier League on 11th November.
United triggered the £9.25m release clause in Amorim’s contract and the 39-year-old Portuguese manager inked a deal with the Red Devils until June 2027.
Van Nistelrooy on key area of Man Utd team
Ruud van Nistelrooy has won two matches and picked up one draw since the start of his spell as Manchester United interim manager.
The United legend oversaw the Red Devils’ first victory in Europe this season after a 2-0 win over Europa League opponents PAOK at Old Trafford on Thursday evening.
Erik ten Hag was met with criticism over United’s form and results this season, with the Red Devils being wasteful in the final third under the former Ajax boss.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Van Nistelrooy insisted that United’s attacking option “still [needs] to be developed” before they reap their full potential.
The former United assistant manager added that there is a “belief” that the Red Devils frontline can hit the level they need, which Ruben Amorim will need to address.
“I agree that when you want to be a successful side in the Premier League and in Europe, which is what the build is all about, you need a certain amount of goals,” Van Nistelrooy said, as per the Manchester Evening News.
“That is clear. That is why the best teams in the world have those players.
“At the moment, we have players who get a certain amount of goals and assists but they are in an age where they still need to be developed.
“There is potential they will be and the belief is there they can. That’s where we are at this moment.”
Van Nistelrooy asked for Amorim advice
Amorim arrives at United at the start of the November international break and will take charge of the Red Devils for his first match later this month.
United will travel to Portman Road on 24th November for their Premier League clash against Ipswich Town, which will be Amorim’s first test at the club.
Van Nistelrooy was asked for any advice he could leave behind for the Sporting CP boss and the United legend admitted that he needs to “start” thinking about it.
“It’s a good question actually,” he said.
“I’ve been in for three months and this short spell and from there on it would be good to wrap it all up and have that conversation.
“It’s a good question, so I will start to think about it.”
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