Ruud van Nistelrooy wanted to stay at Manchester United under Ruben Amorim and rejected offers from other clubs in order to return this summer.
The former United striker was initially brought in as part of Erik ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer but following the Dutchman’s sacking he was asked to step in as interim manager.
United were unbeaten in four games under Van Nistelrooy as the team registered wins against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup and the Premier League, a victory over PAOK in the Europa League and a 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
But following Ruben Amorim’s arrival at Old Trafford, Van Nistelrooy was not kept on, with the Portuguese boss opting to bring five members of his Sporting coaching staff with him.
Andre Ooijer, who was part of Van Nistelrooy’s coaching set-up at PSV, insists Van Nistelrooy was open to working with Amorim and rejected managerial opportunities elsewhere in order to help United.
‘Ruud wanted to stay as assistant. He would have said something if he wasn’t interested in working with Amorim,’ Ooijer told The Mirror.
‘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.’
Van Nistelrooy is now looking to get back into management and is in the running to take over at Coventry City, who are 17th in the Championship.
In his first post on Instagram following his exit, Van Nistelrooy sent a message to United supporters.
‘To everyone at Manchester United Football Club, in particular the backroom staff, the players and the fans,’ the Dutchman wrote.
‘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.’
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