I’ll help as long as I’m needed: Manchester United caretaker boss van Nistelrooy after Leicester win

LONDON – Manchester United caretaker manager Ruud van Nistelrooy said he will help the club “in any capacity” as reports suggest that Ruben Amorim is getting closer to being named as Erik ten Hag’s successor.

A United star as a player, van Nistelrooy enjoyed a winning start as interim boss with his team trouncing Leicester City 5-2 on Oct 30 to book a League Cup quarter-final meeting with Tottenham Hotspur.

The former Netherlands striker’s first match in charge was memorable, with captain Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro scoring two goals apiece, including a brilliant long-range strike from the Brazilian that had van Nistelrooy vigorously pumping his fists in celebration.

While the Old Trafford crowd sang van Nistelrooy’s name after the final whistle, he said it was sad to see compatriot ten Hag getting the sack two days earlier.

Sporting Lisbon coach Amorim was expected to be confirmed as United’s new manager on Oct 31, reports said.

The Athletic said the 39-year-old would stay with the Portuguese league leaders for their next three games, including next week’s Champions League match against Manchester City.

He is expected to take charge at Old Trafford during the November international break, with his first game set to be United’s away trip to Ipswich Town on Nov 24.

Sky Sports said it was understood United had paid Sporting an extra €1 million (S$1.4 million) for Amorim’s early release, on top of the €10 million exit clause.

There will also be nominal compensation for the coaching staff that will be coming with him.

Asked about the move on Oct 31, Amorim remained tightlipped. “It is a negotiation between two clubs,” he said. “It’s never easy. Even with the clauses it’s never easy, they have to talk.”

He added that there will be “clarification” after Sporting’s home league tie against Estrela on Nov 1.

“It will be very clear, so it’s one more day. After the game tomorrow, we will have the decision made,” he said.

Asked what he liked about the Premier League as he prepared to leave the press conference, he said with a smile: “Everything.”

Van Nistelrooy said after victory over the Foxes: “I came in as an assistant to help the club and now in this role I’m helping as long as I’m needed and in the future in any capacity.”

Before the game, the 48-year-old said United can be “unstoppable” when players, staff and supporters pull together and they cut loose by scoring four times in a thrilling first half.

Casemiro’s stunning effort into the top corner opened the scoring in the 15th minute, with Alejandro Garnacho sweeping home Diogo Dalot’s cross 13 minutes later.

Bilal El Khannouss pulled a goal back for the much-changed Foxes in the 33rd minute.

Three minutes later, Fernandes restored United’s two-goal cushion with a deflected free kick before Casemiro slammed home his third goal in two games.

Conor Coady pulled one back for Leicester in first-half stoppage time but Fernandes latched on to a back pass, dribbled around goalkeeper Danny Ward and scored his second in the 59th minute.

Van Nistelrooy expressed delight with the brace scorers, in particular Casemiro, who had come under fire for his recent performances.

“If you see him train and prepare for games, he’s an example for us, and that was part of my celebration also,” said van Nistelrooy, who is preparing his men for their Nov 3 league game against Chelsea.

The score could have been even more lopsided, as United’s scorers all had narrow misses.

Amad Diallo had the fans gasping when he sent a second-half bicycle kick sailing just wide of the goal, but the Old Trafford crowd had enough reason to break into song at the whistle.

Amorim, considered one of the most promising young tacticians in Europe, looks set to be one of the youngest managers in the EPL.

But Pep Guardiola, who has guided Manchester City to an unprecedented four successive Premier League titles, insisted Amorim’s age was not an issue.

“Why is it a problem?“ said Guardiola, before his much-changed side lost 2-1 at Tottenham in their League Cup match. “I started at Barcelona at 37 years old, coming into the fourth division.

“Knowledge is knowledge. If you are able, it doesn’t matter... What’s important is talent. If you are good, age doesn’t matter.” REUTERS, AFP