Ruud Van Nistelrooy pens emotional parting letter to Manchester United fans - 'I will always cherish the memories'
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Published 15/11/2024 at 14:16 GMT
Ruud van Nistelrooy told Manchester United supporters that he will "always cherish the memories we have shared together" after he departed the club following the arrival of Ruben Amorim. Van Nistelrooy led United to three wins and a draw as interim manager in the wake of Erik ten Hag's sacking. "It has been a privilege and an honour to represent the club as a player, coach and manager," he wrote.
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Ruud van Nistelrooy said he will “always cherish the memories we have shared together” in a parting message to the Manchester United fans.
The Dutchman led the Old Trafford club to three wins and a draw as interim manager following the sacking of Erik ten Hag at the end of October.
However, the appointment of Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim as the new United manager resulted in Van Nistelrooy leaving the club he also represented as a player.
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“To everyone at Manchester United Football Club, in particular the backroom staff, the players and the fans,” Van Nistelrooy wrote on social media.
“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.
“Man Utd 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 spearheaded the United attack for five years between 2001 and 2006, winning Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup trophies.
The 2002/03 Premier League Golden Boot winner returned to Old Trafford as Ten Hag’s assistant in July 2024.
But Ten Hag’s sacking in the wake of a defeat to West Ham at the end of October saw Van Nistelrooy promoted to interim head coach.
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He was unbeaten in the role, but Amorim’s arrival during the November international break resulted in the Dutchman’s departure.
In a statement on Monday, Manchester United said: “Manchester United can confirm that Ruud van Nistelrooy has left the club.
“Ruud rejoined in the summer and has taken charge of the team for the past four matches as interim head coach.
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“Ruud is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend. We are grateful for his contribution and the way in which he has approached his role throughout his time with the club. He will always be very welcome at Old Trafford.
“Rene Hake, Jelle ten Rouwelaar and Pieter Morel have also departed and we wish them all well for the future. We will confirm the full men’s first team coaching composition in due course.”
Amorim’s first game in charge of United will come away to Ipswich on Sunday, November 24.
The Red Devils are currently 13th in the Premier League standings, four points outside the top four and 13 behind leaders Liverpool.
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