RUUD VAN NISTELROOY has penned an emotional farewell message to his beloved Manchester United fans.
The interim boss, 48, was let go following the arrival of Ruben Amorim, after failing to make the cut on the new manager’s coaching staff.
Van Nistelrooy had been holding out hope to go sink back into his assistant role at Carrington following Amorim’s arrival on Monday.
But the incoming Portuguese manager decided to axe him in a bid to start afresh.
Van Nistelrooy’s touching statement read: “To everyone at Manchester United Football Club.
“In particular the backroom staff, the players and the fans. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible efforts and support.
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“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 United 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.”
The legendary striker returned to Old Trafford in the summer to work under Erik ten Hag and was installed as interim gaffer following his compatriot’s sacking on October 28.
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Van Nistelrooy was keen to stay on in a role following Sunday’s 3-0 Premier League win against Leicester, which capped an unbeaten four-match stint in charge.
But that proved to be his final game with United with Amorim deciding to let him go in his first decision as boss.
Van Nistelrooy reportedly took the news well and urged players to get behind their new gaffer in his final chat with them.
A source said: “Ruud made clear to the bosses he wanted to stay at United because he loves the club.
“But he was also pragmatic and expected that Amorim would want total control of things, including his backroom staff.
“He made all that clear to the players and demanded that they give their all to the new manager.”
The club legend was given a standing ovation from fans inside Old Trafford after Sunday’s trouncing of Leicester.
The makeup of Amorim’s coaching staff is yet to be confirmed but the Dutchman will not be part of it.
Meanwhile, Amorim gave his new United players some much needed TLC this week.
The Red Devils chief was snapped greeting Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Leny Yoro, Mason Mount and Toby Collyer at Carrington.
Meanwhile, Darren Fletcher and Stalwart Fletcher survived Amorim’s cull and will remain on in a coaching capacity.
Carlos Fernandes, Adelio Candido, Paulo Barreira, Emanuel Ferro and Jorge Vital all travelled with Amorim to Manchester — but have not been confirmed yet.
The third youngest current Prem manager has stepped up to take on the league’s biggest job.
He shocked fans by gatecrashing a stadium tour of Old Trafford this week.
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The club shared a video in which Amorim joined the crowd in the dressing room and made sure to give each fan a handshake.
The 39-year-old will take charge of his first United game away at Ipswich Town on November 24.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
