Now that he has finally left, I would have the opportunity to revitalize the squad by bringing in new tactics that would optimize the strength of our players” – Ruud Van Nistelrooy has made it clear that he intends to move away from Erik ten Hag’s playing style as he takes over the reins at Manchester United. He believes that a different approach is needed to address the team’s ongoing struggles and achieve better results.

Ruud van Nistelrooy, who joined Manchester United as Erik ten Hag’s assistant over the summer, has quickly gained respect among players and has a clear grasp of the high standards needed for success at Old Trafford, despite his limited experience in a head coach role.

Nonetheless, reports from the Netherlands indicate that Van Nistelrooy may be reluctant to step into his friend’s shoes permanently, concerned it might appear disloyal. This development tightens United’s options as they look to secure a long-term managerial solution.

Several other potential candidates are also off the table—former England boss Gareth Southgate is on a break from football, Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi has no interest in moving to Manchester, and Thomas Tuchel has already taken up the England manager position.

Van Nistelrooy is set to manage United for the first time in Wednesday’s League Cup fixture against Leicester City, followed by a Premier League showdown with Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday.

In a statement regarding Ten Hag’s exit, Manchester United confirmed: “Erik ten Hag has resigned as first-team manager. Since his appointment in April 2022, Erik led the club to two domestic titles—the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.

“We extend our gratitude to Erik for his work and wish him all the best in his future. Ruud van Nistelrooy will step in as interim head coach, with the support of the current coaching team, as we continue our search for a permanent replacement.”

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s interim appointment as Manchester United manager following Erik ten Hag’s resignation is set to mark a new chapter at Old Trafford, albeit with challenges. Known for his understanding of United’s traditions and high standards, Van Nistelrooy has quickly won respect from the squad despite his limited experience in a head coach role. Yet, his hesitancy to take on the position permanently—stemming from loyalty to Ten Hag—leaves United in a complex situation as they assess long-term managerial options.

The club has encountered setbacks in their search, with several high-profile candidates currently unavailable. Gareth Southgate is on a break, Simone Inzaghi has shown no interest in leaving Inter Milan, and Thomas Tuchel is now managing England’s national team. With Van Nistelrooy leading United in the interim, his debut matches—a League Cup clash against Leicester City and a Premier League fixture against Chelsea—will be crucial both for the team and in shaping the club’s search for a permanent manager.

In acknowledging Ten Hag’s achievements, United expressed gratitude for his leadership, which brought success with domestic titles like the Carabao Cup and FA Cup. The club’s immediate focus will be on steadying the team under Van Nistelrooy’s guidance while they work to identify the ideal candidate to carry forward Ten Hag’s progress.