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Topics: Manchester United, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Sir Alex Ferguson, Premier League, Chelsea
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Manchester United, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Sir Alex Ferguson, Premier League, Chelsea
Ruud van Nistelrooy has asked his Manchester United players to live by a rule that Sir Alex Ferguson "demanded" during his 26-year reign in charge.
Van Nistelrooy, who took charge on an interim basis after Erik ten Hag was sacked on Monday, will remain in the Old Trafford hot seat for games against Chelsea, PAOK and Leicester before Ruben Amorim takes over on November 11.
The Dutchman started his interim spell with a 5-2 win over Leicester in the Carabao Cup but Sunday's much-anticipated Premier League clash against Chelsea will no doubt be his toughest test to date.
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Ahead of the clash, Van Nistelrooy has urged his team to embrace the culture that Sir Alex Ferguson engrained in each and every one of his players.
"Ferguson said, 'No one is bigger than the club,'" said Van Nistelrooy, as quoted by the Daily Mail. "Anyone can shout it. But if you then, as Ferguson did, give substance to your own words with every decision, every choice, it becomes different. Then players know, 'This is how it works here.'"
He continued: "Take the interaction with supporters. Always thanking people after a game, good or bad. Or at hotels where we come and where there are fans. Just handing out an autograph. Take a photo.
"Ferguson demanded us at the time to take time for that. I'm back there myself now. And I encourage it in players. Do I think it's an example of an important cultural thing? Yes. He is present at every home game. That's when we run into each other.
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"He also came to watch Rangers when I coached PSV Eindhoven in Glasgow in the Champions League in 2022. I really appreciated that. Ferguson also openly states how nice it is that I am back. How good he thinks that is. That's nice.
"This man has coloured a very important part of my football life. I was able to achieve my achievements at United partly because of him. He motivated, inspired, guided me through that period."
After the Leicester game on Wednesday night, Van Nistelrooy discussed his future after Ruben Amorim agreed to succeed Erik ten Hag as the permanent manager of Manchester United.
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“Of course," he told Sky Sports when asked if he was open to staying. "I came here as an assistant to help the club. Now in this role, I’m helping as long as needed. In the future in any capacity, I’m here to help the club further to build towards the future that’s what I'm here for.”
Van Nistelrooy reiterated his desire to work under the next manager. “I’m here to help and serve and give my everything for the club in any capacity with so many people here around me that want the best for the club and that will never change," he added.