The matches Ruud van Nistelrooy would manage if latest Ruben Amorim to Manchester United rumours are true

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Manchester United look set to land Sporting boss Ruben Amorim but may need to call on Ruud van Nistelrooy for a little while longer yet.

Manchester United sacked Erik ten Hag on Monday and took to the pitch for the first time since the Dutchman’s exit on Wednesday night.

Ruud van Nistelrooy was the mean leading United into battle as Leicester City arrived for an EFL Cup clash at Old Trafford.

United romped home to victory, beating the Foxes 5-2 as Casemiro bagged a brace in a thumping win.

Van Nistelrooy will be delighted to have grabbed a win but there is little chance of him landing the job permanently.

That is because United already appear to have a manager on the way in very soon.

Sporting have confirmed an approach from United for Ruben Amorim with the Portuguese boss becoming the top target to replace Ten Hag.

• READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Man Utd’s head coach – Ruben Amorim

Ruud van Nistelrooy set for extended Manchester United run

United are keen to land Amorim but his first game in charge may not be for a while.

Reports from Portugal claim that United have agreed a deal for Amorim, paying around €11million (£9.2million) for his services.

However, Amorim would only join after the November international break.

That would mean his first game in charge would be the away trip to Ipswich Town on November 24, which is more than three weeks away.

Van Nistelrooy may therefore be needed to take charge of United for a little longer before finally handing over to Amorim.

The Dutchman would therefore take charge of three more United games, starting with Sunday’s home clash against Chelsea.

Van Nistelrooy would then lead United against PAOK in the Europa League on November 7 before again facing Leicester City three days later.

United head into the international break after that home clash, paving the way for Amorim to arrive – if those reports are true.

• READ: Who is Ruud van Nistelrooy? Inside the life of Man Utd legend, including his PSV management and coaching career

Ruud van Nistelrooy on his future

Van Nistelrooy isn’t a managerial rookie by any stretch having coached PSV Eindhoven for the 2022-23 season.

This period of management at United won’t be a concern for Van Nistelrooy, even if it’s a little longer than most expected.

The former United striker addressed his future after beating Leicester City on Wednesday night and vowed to just help the club as much as he can.

Speaking to United’s official website, Van Nistelrooy noted that he wants to aid United in any way possible and is just waiting to learn his future.

“I came here as an assistant, to help the club, and now in this role, I’m helping as long as I’m needed,” said Van Nistelrooy.

“In the future, in any capacity, I am here to help the club further, to build towards the future. There are so many people around me who want the best for the club and that will never change. I think it’s important to focus on Sunday, and the league game against Chelsea. What the future holds, let’s wait on that,” he added.

Amorim will have to decide whether he wants to keep Van Nistelrooy or move him on.

Amorim wants to bring Sporting coaches Carlos Fernandes and Adelio Candido to United but keeping somebody with a connection to the club would make sense.

Van Nistelrooy can offer that know-how and if he is keen to stay, we think Amorim should certainly look to keep him around for a while yet.