Ruud Van Nistelrooy is reluctant to replace Erik ten Hag as Manchester United‘s permanent boss – because he doesn’t want to stab him in the back.
Ten Hag has been sacked by United following Sunday’s crushing defeat at West Ham United. The loss left United languishing in 14th place in the Premier League table and proved to be the final nail in his Old Trafford exit.
United have won just one of their last eight games in all competitions and have become the laughing stock of English football. The club announced in a statement that Van Nistelrooy has taken charge of the team on a caretaker basis.
Van Nistelrooy was appointed as Ten Hag’s No.2 in the summer and is popular with the squad, and despite his lack of frontline experience, the former United favourite also knows what it takes to succeed at Old Trafford.
But sources in Holland insist Van Nistelrooy would be reluctant to step into the shoes of his close friend Ten Hag because it could be seen as an act of betrayal. The news means United’s options when it comes to finding a new fixed manager have been reduced even further.
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Former England boss Gareth Southgate has taken an extended break from football, Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi is not interested in moving to Manchester, while Thomas Tuchel has taken the England job.
Van Nistelrooy’s first game in charge of United will come against Leicester City in the League Cup on Wednesday, before hosting Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday.
In a statement confirming Ten Hag’s departure, Manchester United said: “Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager. Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.
“We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future. Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching team, whilst a permanent head coach is recruited.”