- The Dutchman has been caretaker coach since Erik ten Hag’s dismissal last week
- Ahead of Europa League clash with PAOK, he also provided some injury updates
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Ruud van Nistelrooy has revealed he has had no contact with incoming Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim, despite the Portuguese being announced as the successor to Erik ten Hag five days ago.
Former Red Devils striker van Nistelrooy has been in interim charge since his compatriot’s dismissal last week and led the side to an emphatic 5-2 victory over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup in his first match.
He followed this with a cagey 1-1 draw against Chelsea which saw United take the lead through a Bruno Fernandes penalty only for Moises Caicedo to provide an equaliser with a thumping low volley.
Meanwhile, Amorim has remained at Sporting Lisbon for his final three matches and beat his future rivals Man City 4-1 last night in a result which will endear him to the Old Trafford faithful.
Nothing has been confirmed on van Nistelrooy’s future and the stand-in boss has remained coy on what his role might be under the Portuguese.
Ruud van Nistelrooy has revealed he has had no contact with incoming Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim
Amorim has remained at Sporting Lisbon for his final three matches and beat his future rivals Man City 4-1 last night
Van Nistelrooy oversaw a cagey 1-1 draw against Chelsea which saw United take the lead through a Bruno Fernandes penalty
He told a press conference today: ‘No, [I haven’t spoken with him]. No contact so far, so no changes in that. I don’t know when either.
‘I’m so focussed on the present, to comment on that is very difficult. 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 focussed 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.
‘It’s difficult to comment on [my future] 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 focussed on that.
‘I welcome Ruben, I am happy to help him and that is the situation for the moment.’
United face Greek outfit PAOK in the Europa League tomorrow and van Nistelrooy will be hoping to undo ten Hag’s poor start in the competition which has left the side in 20th place on just three points from three matches.
The Dutchman offered an injury update on summer signing Leny Yoro ahead of the clash and it is good news for United fans.
Former Red Devils striker van Nistelrooy has been in interim charge since Erik ten Hag’s exit
The Dutchman offered an injury update on summer signing Leny Yoro
On Marcus Rashford, he added: ‘He did a bit of extra work before the session on his own’
‘He’s been managed very well since his injury in pre-season,’ he said. ‘We knew it would be a long one. It’s a big moment for him, that first time he is back in team training.
‘Obviously we will get him back partially over the coming weeks and look to get him back as quickly as possible.’
On Marcus Rashford, he added: ‘He did a bit of extra work before the session on his own. No special news on that one.’
Meanwhile, he revealed that Tyrell Malacia ‘is the furthest at the moment’ from being fit.
He added: ‘He’s been back in team training for a few weeks now, no restrictions. It is good for him to plan game minutes, maybe in the under-21s.
‘Harry [Maguire] is still inside working on his rehab and Luke [Shaw] is doing pitch work like he did today. He’s progressing there to doing partial team training soon.’
