Manchester United interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has revealed the final conversation he had with ex-manager Erik ten Hag after he was sacked on Monday.
After over two years in charge, United confirmed that former United manager Ten Hag had been sacked in an official statement released on Monday afternoon.
While the club negotiate the appointment of a new manager, former player Van Nistelrooy, who worked as Ten Hag’s assistant, has taken over in the dugout as an interim manager.
And in the wake of Ten Hag’s exit, Van Nistelrooy has revealed the final conversation that the pair had after the Dutch manager’s exit from the club was confirmed.
Speaking ahead of United’s huge Premier League clash with Chelsea, Van Nistelrooy revealed: “I saw him on Monday and spoke to him before the (Leicester) game.
“He was disappointed and touched because he really cared for the club. That’s why he’s also hurt that he had to leave but also proud of his achievement here winning the two cups.”
After five years with United as a player, Van Nistelrooy returned to the Manchester club in July to serve as Ten Hag’s assistant manager.
And with Ruben Amorim likely to be appointed in the coming days, Van Nistelrooy confirmed that he plans to stay with United and work as the new manager’s assistant until the end of next season at least.
“It’s going to be short job as an interim – that was communicated very clearly, and I was happy with that,” he said.
Ruud van Nistelrooy spoke in a press conference ahead United’s trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea in the Premier League. (Image: Getty)
“I decided to come back here for a very important reason: that I am here as an assistant, I came here to help the club forward and I am still very motivated to do so in any capacity, as an assistant and now an interim.
“After this I go back to my assistant contract I have here for this season and the next. I am very motivated to stay here and help the club forward.
“It was very disappointing that Erik had to leave but then you have to switch the mind-set to win. There was a game 75,000 fans and millions watching at home.”
