Ruud van Nistelrooy risks upsetting Ruben Amorim just three days before his arrival at the club as he reveals ambitions to be Man United manager – leaving incoming boss with big decision to make

Ruud van Nistelrooy has revealed that he has ambitions to be Manchester United‘s permanent manager in the future.

Van Nistelrooy, who was previously an assistant coach, has filled in as interim boss following the sacking of Erik ten Hag.

Ruben Amorim, who is set to begin work at United on Monday, faces a decision over whether to keep Van Nistelrooy as part of his coaching staff and the Dutchman’s comments could cause some tension.

Asked in his press conference if he would like to manage United permanently one day, Van Nistelrooy said: ‘Of course.

‘I thought this through well when I made the decision to come to United as assistant coach, I thought that through.

Ruben Amorim, who stars work at United on Monday, faces a decision over van Nistelrooy

‘I knew that coming to Manchester United was for me a special occasion where I felt I wanted to be part of this journey with the club also in an assistant role. I had clear ambitions to manage, I made the decision to sign a two-year deal as an assistant and I’m still in that frame of mind to stay in that capacity.’

Van Nistelrooy, who scored 150 goals in 219 games during his time as a United player between 2001 and 2006, has relished returning to the club.

As interim boss he has overseen wins against Leicester in the Carabao Cup and PAOK in the Europa League as well as a draw with Chelsea in the Premier League. He will take charge of his final game at home to Leicester in the Premier League on Sunday. 

He said: ‘I’ve enjoyed it, it gave a lot of energy, the reaction of the players was outstanding. I think also as an assistant you are quite close to players, the past three months I spent a lot of time with the players and got to know the players very well as human beings but also as football players, where they are in that development and how I can help. I think that relationship now is helping.

‘We are together and we want to achieve something together so that bond is there and that’s why I feel very supported. That gives a lot of energy and support, lots of confidence and energy and so far so good.

‘I think the appetite to build further within this club is stronger than the other bit (to manage United). So for this moment, I made a deliberate decision to step into this role for two seasons and take it from there.

‘And these four games haven’t changed that sentiment and that’s why I said from the beginning what my intentions were also after my interim job.’ 

Van Nistelrooy possesses experience of management from his time at PSV, with whom he won the KNVB Cup.

Van Nistelrooy worked as an assistant under Erik ten Hag before becoming interim manager

Van Nistelrooy is hugely popular with United supporters from his time at the club as a player

United are currently 13th in the Premier League, with Amorim having much work to do

Amad Diallo scored twice as United secured a 2-0 win against PAOK in the Europa League

United struggled under ten Hag this season and there is still much room for improvement, with the club currently in 13th place in the Premier League.

Amorim, who has received much praise for his work at Sporting, will face much scrutiny as he attempts to improve United’s fortunes.

The 39-year-old has signed a contract with United that is set to run until 2027.

Since the retirement of the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, United have made numerous managerial appointments but success in the Premier League and Champions League has eluded them.

United have also spent significant amounts of money on players, with the likes of Antony and Jadon Sancho struggling to live up to expectations. 

Amad Diallo scored a brace as United won 2-0 at home to PAOK on Thursday night. United are currently in 15th place in the Europa League table.