Ruud van Nistelrooy opens up on Manchester United exit and new role at Leicester City

Ruud van Nistelrooy has expressed his disappointment over his departure from Manchester United while sharing his ambitions as the new manager of Leicester City. The former Red Devils striker, who joined Old Trafford in the summer as part of Erik ten Hag's backroom staff, stepped into the interim managerial role in October after Ten Hag's exit. However, he left the club following Ruben Amorim's appointment last month.

Amorim opted to bring in his own assistants—Emanuel Ferro, Carlos Fernandes, and Adelio Candido—replacing van Nistelrooy in the process. Speaking during his unveiling as Leicester City's manager on Monday, van Nistelrooy admitted to feeling "hurt" and "disappointed" by the decision.

"The moment I took over the interim job, I said I was here to help United and to stay to help United, and I meant it," van Nistelrooy told reporters. "So I was disappointed, very much so, and it hurt I had to leave. But I’ve been in football long enough to understand the perspective of a new manager."

Despite the setback, van Nistelrooy praised Amorim for handling the transition professionally. "I spoke to Ruben, and it was a grateful conversation—man to man, manager to manager. That helped me move on quickly and focus on new opportunities, which lifted my spirits."

Photo by Nat Callaghan on Unsplash

Van Nistelrooy’s appointment at Leicester City was confirmed last Friday, marking his first permanent managerial role since leaving PSV Eindhoven last summer after securing a Dutch Cup victory in his sole season. The Foxes currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone, with only two league wins this season. Van Nistelrooy watched from the stands as Leicester fell to a 4-1 defeat against Brentford last Saturday.

Taking over a struggling squad that has faced criticism for recent off-field behavior, including a controversial Christmas party in Copenhagen, van Nistelrooy has emphasized the importance of mutual respect and good character within the team.

"Respect is the only way to work," he said. "Before taking the job, I made calls about the players. In football, everyone knows everyone, and with a few conversations, you can learn a lot. It was important to me that I heard there are good characters here."

Van Nistelrooy, whose brief tenure at Manchester United saw him remain unbeaten with three wins and a draw, is optimistic about his ability to inspire change at Leicester. His first match in charge will be a crucial home game against West Ham on Tuesday night, as he looks to stabilize the Foxes and lead them away from the relegation zone.