Ruud van Nistelrooy is “saddened” by Manchester United’s decision to fire Erik ten Hag.
Van Nistelrooy noted this in his programme notes for United’s Carabao Cup match against Leicester City.
The former Red Devils striker, who returned to the club as Ten Hag’s assistant in the summer, will take charge of the game as his interim tenure begins with a home fixture.
In his statement to the club’s supporters, Van Nistelrooy confessed Ten Hag’s departure had left him “saddened” but praised his countrymen for providing him an opportunity to return to Old Trafford as part of the coaching setup.
Little more than three months after his arrival, Van Nistelrooy will now take up Ten Hag’s old seat in the dugout.
“As I am sure everyone can imagine, I am writing these notes with a huge amount of mixed emotions,” Van Nistelrooy said in United’s official matchday programme notes.
“Erik ten Hag brought me back to Manchester United in the summer and, while I have only been part of the coaching staff here for a few months, I will always be grateful to him for giving me the opportunity, and I am saddened to see him leave.
“Even on an interim basis, it is a great honour to manage the club I love for however long I am asked to do so. I can promise that I will continue to give my all, in whatever capacity, to try to turn around our fortunes.
“Despite our results, I am loving being back at Old Trafford and working with the team and staff every day. We’ve seen the squad’s potential at times this season, but clearly not often enough.
“Now is the time for everyone at the club to work together, give everything and turn this season around while we have time. From my experiences as both a player and a coach here, I can say for sure that when players, staff and supporters pull together, Manchester United can be unstoppable.”
