“I have decided to obey Pep Guardiola’s advise… He’s not impacting my game positively, I’ve decided to drop him till he improves”: Ruud van Nistelrooy confirms the removal of ONE big-name Man United’s signing from the squad after Pep Guardiola’s advise
Ruud van Nistelrooy has underlined the biggest issue facing new manager Ruben Amorim by admitting Manchester United lack a prolific goalscorer.
The former centre-forward will serve the final game of his interim spell in charge against Leicester at Old Trafford on Sunday with several players hoping he remains as assistant under the incoming Amorim.
And with neither summer signing Joshua Zirkzee nor £72m man Rasmus Hojlund capable of finding the net regularly, Van Nistelrooy’s expertise in front of goal may be a major asset.
The Dutchman said in his preview press conference for Sunday’s game: “I agree that when you want to be a successful side in the Premier League and in Europe, which is what the build is all about, you need a certain amount of goals.
“That is clear. That is why the best teams in the world have those players. At the moment, we have players who get a certain amount of goals and assists but they are in an age where they still need to be developed. There is potential they will be and the belief is there they can. That’s where we are at this moment.”
Amorim will begin work on Monday morning having taken charge of Sporting Lisbon for the final time away at Braga on Sunday afternoon.
United have made their worst start to a league campaign since 1986 but Van Nistelrooy is unbeaten in his three games since Erik ten Hag was sacked 12 days ago.
Asked if he was proud of that achievement, he added: “Especially for the club, it was very important after I took over to get what I call stabilising the ship with results. All of a sudden we’re three games into that, it passes so quickly, and the last one will mean a lot.”
