Van Nistelrooy ‘DEVASTATED’ by Man Utd exit

Ruud van Nistelrooy is reportedly “devastated” by his departure from Manchester United.

New head coach Ruben Amorim has opted to bring his own coaching staff with him from Sporting CP and despite an impressive stint as interim boss, Van Nistelrooy has now left Old Trafford.

The Man Utd legend was hoping to return to the assistant manager role he occupied under Erik ten Hag and he has been left “devastated” by his Red Devils exit, as per The Mirror.

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Former Netherlands defender Andre Ooijer, who was part of Van Nistelrooy’s coaching team at PSV Eindhoven, has confirmed that the 48-year-old was eager to remain at Old Trafford under Amorim.

“Ruud wanted to stay as assistant,” Ooijer told The Mirror. “He would have said something if he wasn’t interested in working with Amorim. Ruud has had the chance to be manager or head coach at other clubs, but he deliberately did not take those jobs because he wanted to work at the club he loves most.

“Don’t forget Ruud did really well at United, a draw against Chelsea and victories in the other three matches. You could tell the fans liked him so much. You only had to watch how they reacted to him after his last match.

“He did so well under difficult circumstances. He has stayed unbeaten as a manager. If Amorim does not get the right results in the first few games, the crowd could start calling again for Ruud.”

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What has Ruud van Nistelrooy said?

Upon news of his Old Trafford departure, Van Nistelrooy posted on social media: “To everyone at Manchester United Football Club, in particular the backroom staff, the players and the fans. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible efforts and support.

“It has been a privilege and honour to represent the club as a player, coach and manager, and I will always cherish the memories we have shared together.

“M.U.F.C will always have a special place in my heart, and I hope there are many more glory days at Old Trafford very soon – not only because I want the club to do well, but because you all deserve it! All the best and take care, Ruud.”

Van Nistelrooy has been linked with a number of head coach roles since leaving Man Utd last week, including Championship outfit Coventry City.

The Midlands-based side sacked legendary manager Mark Robins in early November following a poor run of results at the start of the 2024-25 campaign and Van Nistelrooy is among their list of replacement options, along with Chelsea icon Frank Lampard.