The hidden six-word warning to Man United players in Ruud van Nistelrooy’s final matchday message

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Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to take charge of his final match as interim manager when Manchester United face Leicester City.

After Erik ten Hag was sacked, Ruud van Nistelrooy was made interim manager of Manchester United.

His time in the hot seat started with a 5-2 win over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup and he will end his time as interim against the same opposition at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

Van Nistelrooy expects to leave United once Ruben Amorim takes charge on Monday morning, but a decision is still yet to be made about whether he will stay on the Portuguese’s coaching staff.

United remain unbeaten under the Dutchman so far and Van Nistelrooy is admired by United’s players – and supporters – so it will be a difficult decision for Ruben Amorim to make.

READ MORE: Ruben Amorim faces crunch decision just hours into his first day as Man United head coach

Hidden warning in Ruud van Nistelrooy’s matchday message

Van Nistelrooy sent a passionate message ahead of his first game as United’s interim manager, and his final match programme notes have now been published.

The 48-year-old encouraged everyone associated with the club to get behind Amorim as he prepares to take over on Monday morning.

Ruud van Nistelrooy said: “From tomorrow, I will support our new head coach, Ruben Amorim, and I invite everyone who loves the club to do the same.”

However, further down his matchday message, there was one section which acts as a fitting warning to United’s current squad.

When discussing how United can return to the top, Van Nistelrooy said: “It starts with players taking responsibility for themselves and others, because playing for Manchester United requires strong character, hard work and constant dedication.”

He then issued a six-word warning to his players: “There is no room to hide”.

Man United players must step up for Ruben Amorim

United players have been accused of downing tools and throwing managers under the bus, but under Amorim they now have a fresh slate.

This time, Amorim comes into United under a well-organised leadership group who will support him from day one.

Amorim will have less power over transfers after being appointed as a head coach rather than a manager, but the United hierarchy will be just as ruthless towards players as they are with staff.

If United players underperform under Amorim, they can expect to be moved on.

Van Nistelrooy’s final message reminded the United players that nothing should be taken for granted.