Ruud van Nistelrooy signs off ‘amazing’ Man Utd stint with ‘important’ win

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·10 November 2024

Ruud van Nistelrooy signs off ‘amazing’ Man Utd stint with ‘important’ win

Ruud van Nistelrooy bid a fond farewell to Old Trafford on Saturday as he led Manchester United to victory in his final game as interim manager.

The Red Devils thanks to a brilliant strike from Bruno Fernandes, a Victor Kristiansen own goal and a golazo from Alejandro Garnacho.

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“It was professional, you could see that players were fighting through the game,” he told BBC Sport. “We scored two great goals and there were some good bits but we didn’t have real control of the game. It was an important three points.”

Bruno Fernandes was back to his best, playing a part in all three goals to give Man Utd their fourth Premier League win of the season.

Read – Bruno Fernandes defends ‘special’ Man Utd player after fans ‘lost faith’

“In the four games Bruno scored some important goals, assisting too so he is back producing. That’s the Bruno that is helping the team the most.”

Van Nistelrooy dropped Garnacho to the bench in favour of Amad Diallo, but the Argentine made an impact as a second-half substitute with a stunning finish.

“I spoke to Alejandro Garnacho before the game, he has played a lot of minutes and I wanted him to make an impact off the bench and I’m glad it worked out,” the Dutchman said.

The former striker, who vacates his managerial role with a 75 percent win rate, soaked in the atmosphere and took in the applause of the home crowd at the final whistle.

“We said ‘let’s make the most of these four games’, get the maximum out of it and I think we did an okay job,” Van Nistelrooy said.

“I really enjoyed it, it’s been a short but amazing period. We are in an uncertain position but we tried to do our jobs and help the club which is important.

“There are a lot of feelings there, the way the fans supported me and the team always in difficult moments it was a special moment. To close down this block of games with good results and a good connection I can’t thank them enough.

“We will learn what the further plan is now.”

Van Nistelrooy is contracted as assistant manager until 2026, but it’s unclear whether he will be a part of Ruben Amorim’s backroom staff when he takes charge next week.