When Ruud van Nistelrooy stepped in as a substitute at Manchester United at the end of October, the Ten Hag assistant immediately created a wave of optimism among the players and supporters. Three wins in four games. Two wins against Leicester. Then Ratcliffe and United management pressured Ruben Amorim to take the coaching job earlier than he wanted (would wait until after the end of the season), Van Nistelrooy disappeared out the door on the same day that Amorim and his team landed in Manchester. Now the two coaches will settle between themselves. For Van Nistelrooy, a situation that is guaranteed to present a dilemma.
As Leicester manager, Van Nistelrooy has only one mandate: Beat Manchester United, take three points and save his place in the Premier League. At the same time, the United legend knows what a loss for the club means in his heart to those he has worked with, the supporters he himself helped give titles and success to in the period 2001-06 as top scorer.
On Sunday, Ruben Amorim and the United players Van Nistelrooy coach travel to victory against Leicester, precisely to the King Power Stadium in Leicester.
Ruud van Nistelrooy knows all about the weaknesses of the individual Manchester players, the Dutchman’s task will be to be one hundred percent cynical and do what it takes for Manchester United to leave the Leicester pitch without a point. For Van Nistelrooy, this must present challenges.
At the same time, if he doesn’t take advantage of his knowledge of United on the inside, Leicester are a big step towards relegation. The match against Manchester United will be Van Nistelrooy’s “final”.
