Ruud van Nistelrooy has opened up about his disappointment over not being retained as an assistant coach under Manchester United’s new manager Ruben Amorim.
Speaking during his unveiling as Leicester City’s head coach, the Dutchman admitted feeling hurt after leaving Old Trafford.
Van Nistelrooy had joined United’s backroom staff under Erik ten Hag before stepping in as interim manager following Ten Hag’s dismissal in October.
However, Amorim opted to replace him with his own Sporting CP assistants Emanuel Ferro, Carlos Fernandes, and Adelio Candido when he took over at United.
“The moment I took over the interim job, I said I was here to help United and 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.
“Ruben and I had an honest conversation, manager to manager, and that helped me move on.”
The former PSV coach wasted no time in finding his next opportunity, being named Leicester City’s new boss last week.
He replaces Steve Cooper, inheriting a side in 16th place in the Premier League, just one point above the relegation zone.
Van Nistelrooy watched Leicester’s 4-1 defeat to Brentford over the weekend but remains optimistic about turning their season around.
His tenure begins with a home clash against West Ham on Tuesday night, marking his first permanent managerial role since leaving PSV last summer after leading them to a Dutch Cup triumph.
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