New Leicester City manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, has expressed his disappointment and emotional pain after being asked to leave Manchester United following the arrival of Ruben Amorim as the club’s new manager.
Van Nistelrooy, who had taken on the role of interim manager after Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, confirmed that he had a conversation with Amorim before being informed that he would not be included in the new manager’s coaching staff.
Speaking openly about the situation, Van Nistelrooy revealed he would have been willing to remain at United as an assistant coach if given the chance.
“The moment I took over the interim job, I said I’m here to help United and to stay to help United, and I meant it. So I was disappointed, very much so, and it hurts that I had to leave,” he said.
The 48-year-old former striker emphasized that the only assistant manager position he would have accepted was at United due to the deep bond he shares with the club, its staff, and its fans.
However, Van Nistelrooy acknowledged the reality of the situation, understanding that Amorim, as a new manager, had the right to shape his own staff.
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He said, “In the end, I got my head around it because I also understand the new manager.
I’m a manager myself. You can think of a situation, me being there… I understand.”
Van Nistelrooy appreciated the direct conversation he had with Amorim, describing it as “man to man, person to person, manager to manager,” which helped him accept the decision and move forward.
He added that this dialogue allowed him to quickly focus on new opportunities, lifting his spirits as he transitioned into his new role as Leicester City’s manager.