Van Nistelrooy says mood has lifted at Old Trafford following ‘very sad’ ten Hag exit

Manchester United interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy says his players have recovered from the “very sad” departure of Erik ten Hag and are looking forward to the arrival of Ruben Amorim.

Van Nistelrooy was named interim manager after ten Hag was sacked last week following a poor run of form, and is undefeated in his two matches in charge, putting five goals past Leicester in his first game in charge before a 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday.

United host Greek side PAOK in the Europa League on Thursday in what will be his penultimate match in charge, with current Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim due to take over permanently on 11 November.

Reflecting on ten Hag’s departure, Van Nistelrooy said: “It is mixed emotions because when he leaves it is a very sad day and the days after that you have to recover as a team and as staff.

“I think the emotion has calmed down. Players are now training and focusing on getting their performances where we want them.

“We tried everything together to make it work but we couldn’t. Then you have to switch mindset. We did and you saw that against Leicester.”

Van Nistelrooy has expressed an interest in staying at Old Trafford after Amorim arrives, but said that conversations are yet to take place.

“No, I haven’t spoken with [Amorim],” he said.

“No contact so far, so no changes in that. I don’t know when either.”

Asked what role he might be in following Amorim’s arrival, Van Nistelrooy said he is unsure.

“It’s difficult to comment on that now, I am waiting for conversations to take place. In the meantime the most important thing is getting the work done on a daily basis and in the game tomorrow in Europe.

“I have to say that I feel the responsibility to do well over the next week and that is my job. I am focused on that.

“I welcome Ruben, I am happy to help him and that is the situation at the moment.”

He went on to dodge questions about Amorim’s potential with the squad, saying that he is focusing purely on his next two matches in charge.

“I’m putting all my energy into the current squad. To relate it to his playing style is a question I can’t answer because I am so focused on getting results going. It is a vital two games for the season. I think I am doing the new manager the best favour by doing that.”