Ruud van Nistelrooy has broken his silence and called for unity at Manchester United in a bid to save the team’s season.
Van Nistelrooy has been appointed caretaker-boss following this week’s sacking of Erik ten Hag. United have won three of nine league games and find themselves 14th in the Premier League table.
Writing in his programme notes ahead of Wednesday’s EFL Cup tie against Leicester at Old Trafford, Van Nistelrooy said it was vital the team rediscovers “the winning habit” after such a poor start to the campaign. The Dutchman said: “As I am sure everyone can imagine, I am writing these notes with a huge amount of mixed emotion.
“Erik ten Hag brought me back to Manchester United in the summer and, while I have only been part of the coaching staff here for a few months, I will always be grateful to him for giving me the opportunity, and I am saddened to see him leave.
“Even on an interim basis, it is a great honour to manage the club I love for however long I am asked to do so. I can promise that I will continue to give my all, in whatever capacity, to try to turn around our fortunes.
(Image: Getty Images)
“When I returned in the summer as Erik’s assistant, it was because I believe that Manchester United can climb back to the levels that I knew here as a player. I still have that belief, but it will take time and a lot of hard work.
The first step is to restore the winning habit, starting at Old Trafford this evening. I know first-hand the positive effect that our wonderful fans can have on the team, so please get behind the players as we fight together to move a step closer to Wembley.
“Now is the time for everyone at the club to work together, give everything and turn this season around while we have time. From my experiences as both a player and a coach here, I can say for sure that when players, staff and supporters pull together, Manchester United can be unstoppable.
“Thankfully, we have time on our side and with fixtures coming so regularly now, we also have plenty of opportunities to build up some positive momentum. Every game we play is also an opportunity for us to remind everyone – ourselves included – of what this great club stands for.”