Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has publicly voiced his support for interim manager and club icon Ruud van Nistelrooy, emphasizing the positive impact the former striker has had on the squad during his short tenure. Despite Ruben Amorim’s impending appointment as the next permanent manager, Onana and his teammates are reportedly hopeful that Van Nistelrooy could stay on in a leadership capacity, given the team's improvement under his guidance. Van Nistelrooy, who initially joined United’s coaching staff as an assistant over the summer, was quickly thrust into the head coach role following Erik ten Hag’s departure in October, a move that has since energized both players and fans.
Under Van Nistelrooy’s management, United’s recent performances have shown resilience, with two wins and a draw in his three matches in charge. The most recent success came in a decisive 2-0 Europa League victory over PAOK on November 7, an achievement that has further cemented Van Nistelrooy’s rapport with the team. Onana, speaking after the win, praised Van Nistelrooy’s deep understanding of the game and his influence on the players, noting that his experience and insights have been invaluable. Describing him as "a very good guy, a very good coach," Onana highlighted how Van Nistelrooy has been proactive in advising and mentoring the team, fostering a positive atmosphere that has boosted morale.
"He's a very good guy, a very good coach. He has so much experience and he advises us a lot," Onana shared, adding that the squad is genuinely pleased with his leadership. “The players are happy. But at the end of the day, it's not something we can decide. The club makes the decision, and we have to accept it,” he stated, recognizing the final decision rests with Manchester United's management.
For his part, Van Nistelrooy remains fully focused on his responsibilities as interim manager, demonstrating a commitment to ensuring the team is well-prepared for his final game at the helm—a Premier League home match against Leicester City on Sunday, November 10. With characteristic humility, he has avoided discussing his future or ambitions, stating, "I want my last game as an interim manager to be as good as I can make it. I want to give the players everything they need to get the best performance out of them." He added that his primary focus is the present rather than looking too far into the future, signaling his dedication to the task at hand.
Van Nistelrooy’s leadership has had a unifying effect on the club, bringing a sense of stability and optimism at a time when United faced considerable upheaval. His success in connecting with the players and restoring some confidence has led to increased speculation that he could play an ongoing role, either as an assistant to Amorim or in a different capacity within United’s broader coaching team.
As United prepares for the incoming leadership of Ruben Amorim, the anticipation around the young Portuguese coach is palpable, with fans and analysts alike eager to see his tactical approach and impact on the squad. Yet, Van Nistelrooy’s short but effective stint has demonstrated his potential as a manager and sparked hopes that he might have a future with the club in a more enduring role. With the legendary striker’s popularity surging among fans and his coaching credentials becoming more evident, it’s clear that his tenure, however brief, has left a lasting mark on Manchester United’s players, paving the way for a dynamic new chapter under Amorim’s leadership.
