Ruud van Nistelrooy's classy final act as Man Utd interim manager sums him up perfectly
Ruud van Nistelrooy left Manchester United for the second time earlier this month following the appointment of Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford but has made a lasting impression with the Red Devils
by Daniel Orme · The MirrorRuud van Nistelrooy made a heart-warming gesture to charity after being brutally axed by Manchester United.
The former Dutch forward was appointed as the club’s interim boss following the sacking of Erik ten Hag. He oversaw four games - winning three - ahead of the appointment of Ruben Amorim.
There was major doubt over his long-term future, with Amorim eventually making the decision not to include him among his staff. But that does not appear to have affected Van Nistelrooy’s feelings for the club.
According to Mail Online, one of his final acts was to donate a jacket to the club’s charity and their winter coat appeal. Van Nistelrooy apparently dropped off one of his club jackets at a collection point at the Red Devils’ Carrington training ground.
Van Nistelrooy penned an emotional letter to the club after his exit. Taking to social media, he said: "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.
"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."
Meanwhile, his close friend and ex-Netherlands defender Andre Ooijer claimed he was disappointed to leave Old Trafford. Speaking to Mirror Football, he said: “Ruud wanted to stay as assistant.
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“He would have said something if he wasn’t interested in working with Amorim. Ruud has had the chance to be manager or head coach at other clubs, but he deliberately did not take those jobs because he wanted to work at the club he loves most.
“Don’t forget Ruud did really well at United, a draw against Chelsea and victories in the other three matches. You could tell the fans liked him so much. You only had to watch how they reacted to him after his last match.
"He did so well under difficult circumstances. He has stayed unbeaten as a manager. If Amorim does not get the right results in the first few games, the crowd could start calling again for Ruud."
Van Nistelrooy could be set for a rapid return to the dugout following his United exit. He has been linked with a move to Championship side Coventry.
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