SIR ALEX FERGUSON SENT DARREN FLETCHER WARNING BEFORE TAKING MAN UTD JOB

Darren Fletcher will get the chance to manage Manchester United in Wednesday's clash with Burnley, having learned from one of the very best in Sir Alex Ferguson

Darren Fletcher played 342 games under Sir Alex Ferguson(Image: Clint Hughes/Getty Images)

Wednesday will see Darren Fletcher become the fifth player from the school of Sir Alex Ferguson to manage Manchester United for at least one game. Fletcher, 41, has been installed as the club's interim manager following the sacking of Ruben Amorim on Monday.

The former United midfielder, who came through their academy before making 342 appearances for the first-team, will lead the Red Devils in their trip to Burnley, joined by ex-team-mate Jonny Evans as part of his coaching staff. Fletcher has no experience of first-team management but he's been learning his trade in the world of coaching over the past few years.

In July, the Scot was appointed as head coach of United's under-18 side. Fletcher previously worked in assistant roles under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag, and became the club's first ever technical director in 2021.

Having been diagnosed with a chronic bowel disease in 2011 and been forced to stop playing temporarily, the five-time Premier League winner delved into coaching. A decade and a half later and he'll be on the touchline as United's interim boss.

Fletcher joins Solskjaer, Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick and Ruud van Nistelrooy as those to have played under Ferguson and gone on to stand where he did for the best part of 27 years. But not everyone is cut out for management in the long term, Ferguson has warned.

In 2017, the legendary former United manager spoke to West Bromwich Albion about Fletcher's prospects as a coach. "I think his long-term position will be as a coach," Ferguson explained.

"Maybe even management. He's got the presence, he's got the sacrifice. When you become a manager, Martin (interviewer), it's a sacrifice.

"You give up your family life, which I did. I scouted my own players, I went to games every week - midweek and everywhere. That's the kind of sacrifice and you need to have the type of wife who understands that."

Sir Alex Ferguson warned Darren Fletcher about the sacrifices of being a manager(Image: Shirlaine Forrest/Getty Images)

While coaching at youth level brings its own pressures, nothing compares to a top job, especially at Old Trafford. Still, managing United is Fletcher's dream job.

"When I take my first steps on the management ladder, the goal is to become Manchester United manager because that's the pinnacle for me," he told the UTD Podcast in 2019. "Nothing tops that, nothing's bigger."

The road to becoming United's full-time manager may well start at Turf Moor. Currently, Fletcher is also expected to be remain in charge for Sunday's FA Cup tie at home to Brighton.

- Nathan Ridley

WHY ARSENAL SHOULD BELIEVE THE CAN WIN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

As the Gunners head to PSV for the last-16 encounter, Mikel Arteta warned that his injury-hit squad still have the ‘gears to reach a different level’

Inside the Philips Stadion, there are reminders of PSV Eindhoven’s past, celebrations of former centre-forwards such as Romario, Ronaldo Nazario and Ruud van Nistelrooy who have graced the club and tormented defenders. As he walked along the corridors between the executive suites, Mikel Arteta could have been given a reminder of what he is missing.

It is carnival week in Eindhoven and plenty of people are descending on the Dutch city in fancy dress. Whether any have come in the garb of an Arsenal goalscorer or will impersonate a striker, even for a night, remains to be seen. The probability is that Mikel Merino will be leading the line for Arsenal in the Netherlands; the scorer of the Gunners’ only goals in their last four games but a midfielder by trade. With Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus injured, with Gabriel Martinelli only on the way back, with Raheem Sterling’s only goal this season coming against Preston, it may be Merino in attack.

“It is a beautiful challenge, especially up front,” said Jurrien Timber. It is an optimistic way of putting it. Another is to point out that PSV have defensive difficulties: since springing one of the surprises in the knockout play-off round, they have faced Go Ahead Eagles twice, losing both matches and conceding five goals to a side only seventh in the Eredivisie. “What I see is ahead is a team that has eliminated Juventus, with a history, so I know the difficulty,” said Arteta, paying PSV due respect.

It was a painful February for Arsenal as dropped points added to forward absences. Getty

If Arsenal’s attack is the resistible force, perhaps PSV’s defence is the movable object. A tie of teams meeting for the third consecutive year may be a clash of opposites. The Dutch champions can both score and concede; the perennial English runners-up sometimes do neither.

But there may be a path to progress amid the lack of drama. “For any team, I think when you look at the history of the team, that they’ve been very successful, the defensive record is critical,” said Arteta. England’s last two Champions League winners had identical records in that respect: Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea conceded just three goals in seven knockout matches in 2021, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City a mere three at the equivalent stage in 2023.

The Arsenal rearguard has earned many a compliment for its organisation and obduracy in recent years. There is statistical proof of its excellence. The north Londoners had the second-best defensive record in group stages, bettered only by Inter. “We have only conceded three goals and the lowest expected goals,” added Arteta. “That is great and a big platform.”

They kicked off the group stage with clean sheets against Atalanta and Paris Saint-Germain. Even as Arteta’s attacking options have been reduced, his defensive ones have increased. Timber welcomed the added competition from Ben White’s return to fitness although, with only two substitute appearances, the Englishman may be unlikely to make a first start in almost four months on Tuesday. On the other flank, meanwhile, Myles Lewis-Skelly, suspended for the stalemate at Nottingham Forest, is available again.

That was a draining, depressing night for Arsenal; along with the defeat to West Ham, the end of an ambition, at least for a year, to win the Premier League. A different competition offers a different incentive. “A game to change the narrative,” said Timber. If Arsenal have been labouring and toiling domestically, Arteta feels they could have a spring in their step. “It’s a game that really brings a different energy,” he said. “It’s a competition that puts everybody on their toes.”

It is a competition in which Arsenal have acquitted themselves well since Arteta ended their exile. They were knocked out by Bayern Munich last season; avoid defeat in the Netherlands and a home record of eight wins and a draw in nine home Champions League games bodes well.

Arsenal’s defensive record can give them confidence as they turn to knockout football. Getty

It could be a very open competition. Coming third in the group stage does not necessarily make Arsenal third favourites but there is a plausible route to the quarter-finals for them, whereas Manchester City have already fallen by the wayside and either Bayern or Bayer Leverkusen, Real or Atletico Madrid, and PSG or Liverpool will follow suit. Can Arsenal win the competition? “It’s an ambition,” added Arteta, while stressing his focus was purely on PSV.

There is a sense in which Arsenal have untapped potential: not so much defensively, but if they can add goals, if they can produce the sort of performances they mustered against PSG and Manchester City in knockout football. “And the fact that we have still gears, even with the players that we have, to take the game to a different level,” said Arteta. “When it comes to that stage, it’s about lifting the level and the standards.” Defensively, Arsenal can set the standards. They just need a goal or two.

- Richard Jolly, Senior Football Correspondent

MARTIN KEOWN APOLOGIES TO RUUD VAN NILSTELROOY FOR HIS ICONIC BATTLE OF OLD TRAFFORD 'SHENANIGANS' IN 2003 - AS FORMER RIVALS ENDURE AWKWARD REUNION AHEAD OF LEICESTER'S CLASH WITH ARSENAL

• Martin Keown met Ruud van Nistelrooy before Leicester's clash with Arsenal

• The ex-England defender apologised for his antics in the 'Battle of Old Trafford' 

• LISTEN NOW: It's All Kicking Off! Will Liverpool recover from Everton blow in season-defining week? 

Martin Keown issued an apology to Ruud van Nistelrooy for his 'shenanigans' at the 'Battle of Old Trafford' in 2003, ahead of Arsenal's game against Leicester on Saturday afternoon.

The former rivals were famously involved in an incident in September 2003, in a game between Man United and Arsenal, where Keown was fined for striking Van Nistelrooy in the back at full-time.

The Gunners were second in the Premier League table, holding an unbeaten record that stretched back to the end of the previous season, while United sat behind them in third. 

Martin Keown apologised to Ruud van Nistelrooy for his antics in the 'Battle of Old Trafford'

The affair reached its boiling point when the Red Devils were awarded a last-minute penalty after Keown fouled Diego Forlan. After Van Nistelrooy missed the spot-kick, Keown jumped towards him, laughing in his face.

But, over 20 years on from the iconic event, Keown and Van Nistelrooy attempted to bury the hatchet on live television. The two exchanged pleasantries before awkwardly reminiscing on the events of that game.

The Arsenal defender was fined for his animated taunts towards Van Nistelrooy at full-time

'Good to see you,' said Van Nistelrooy, smiling as he extended his arm for a handshake.

'Nice to see you after all these years,' Keown replied. 'Apologies for all of the shenanigans that went on back in the day.' 

The Dutchman missed a last-minute penalty for Manch

Van Nistelrooy was in good spirits and insisted that any antics from the duo's playing days should be left in the past. 

'What happens on the pitch stays on the pitch. I'm happy that I have him in front of me and not at the back of me. It was a good rivalry wasn't it?' the Leicester boss asked Keown.

Keown surrounded Van Nistelrooy at full-time to taunt him, joined by multiple Arsenal players

'Oh, great days. I'm glad you're standing there and not next to me because you used to love to stamp on me,' the former Arsenal centre back jokingly replied.

'I would like to block you out as well and then fall over,' chuckled Van Nistelrooy.

Tensions during the 'Battle of Old Trafford' were fuelled by an incident earlier in the match, when Van Nistelrooy clashed with Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira, leading to the Frenchman receiving a second yellow card and being sent off.

Arsenal players felt Van Nistelrooy exaggerated the contact, as Vieira kicked out at him but did not actually make any contact.

Van Nistelrooy walked off the pitch and offered no reaction, although the situation escalated

After Van Nistelrooy missed his penalty, Keown was first to confront him, and was part of a flock of Arsenal players to taunt him after the full-time whistle. 

Lauren, Ray Parlour, Ashley Cole and Kolo Toure all joined the ex-England defender in surrounding Van Nistelrooy.

Keown jumped at Van Nistelrooy and appeared to strike the Dutchman in the back with his forearm. Lauren pushed Van Nistelrooy, while Parlour and Cole both offered verbal abuse and also shoved him.

The United frontman did not react to the chaos and simply walked away, but the situation escalated as players from both teams clashed.

Roy Keane escorted Van Nistelrooy away from the situation, but many other United players joined the conflict in his defence.

Ryan Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gary Neville, Mikael Silvestre, Quinton Fortune and Rio Ferdinand all clashed with the Arsenal squad.

The melee resulted in multiple bans and fines; Keown received a three-match ban and a £20,000 fine. 

Lauren got four matches and had to cough up £40,000, while Parlour and Vieira were also charged with improper conduct and missed a game each.

For United, Giggs was handed a £7,500 fine and Ronaldo a £4,000 fine, along with a warning to mind their conduct in the future.

Arsenal as a club were fined £175,000 for 'failing to ensure the proper behaviour of their players'. 

Ultimately, the fee was a miniscule financial setback, as the Gunners went on to be crowned Premier League champions as the 'Invincibles' in 2003-04, notching £17.25million in prize money.

Now, Van Nistelrooy has swapped the highs of fighting for Premier League titles as a player to navigating a fight for survival in the top-flight with Leicester.

His side could climb out of the relegation zone with a win over Arsenal on Saturday. 

- YASEEN ZAMAN

LEICESTER CITY SENT CLEAR RUUD VAN NILSTELROOY 'SACKING' AHEAD OF TOUGH ARSENAL TEST

Latest Leicester City news from LeicestershireLive as club hierarchy urged to stick with man they hired in November despite poor run of results

Ruud van Nistelrooy on the touchline before Leicester City's 4-0 defeat to Everton (Image: Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)

Leicester City have been told to stick with manager Ruud van Nistelrooy even if they are relegated back to the Championship come the end of the season.

The Dutchman replaced Steve Cooper as Foxes boss in late November, but has seen his team struggle to move clear of the Premier League drop zone. Leicester are currently on a run of one win in their last 10 top-flight games and have lost eight of them, leaving them third from bottom of the table and two points from safety.

They have the respite of an FA Cup clash at Manchester United on Friday (8pm) before resuming Premier League duties by hosting title-chasers Arsenal on February 15 (12.30pm), but old boy Stan Collymore insists van Nistelrooy deserves time at the King Power Stadium and that it would be “ridiculous” to replace him.

The former City striker and now pundit told William Hill Vegas: “It would be ridiculous if Ruud van Nistelrooy lost his job at Leicester. There’s an argument that neither van Nistelrooy nor Steve Cooper had the track record to be confident enough that either man could keep them in the Premier League.

“But you don't hire Cooper or van Nistelrooy unless you're prepared to give them a chance to do the job properly. Even if Leicester get relegated, I wouldn't sack van Nistelrooy. There's got to be some kind of stability and plan at the club, which has not been there for two or three years. So, van Nistelrooy must keep his job.”

Collymore, who scored five goals in 11 games for the Foxes after joining them on a pay-as-you-play basis in February 2000, fears his old club will damage their reputation if they keep sacking managers.

He explained: "Leicester can't be like Watford of a few years ago, because they’ll end up the same way as they did. Watford tried to be Chelsea by buying a load of players and sacking loads of managers.

"They kept sacking managers until they hoped they’d find one that kept them in the Premier League, or got them higher up the Premier League. Of course, in the end they got relegated, and they've not been back since.

“Leicester have a great academy, great facilities and a great stadium, which will be a strong lure for players. But players won't play for clubs where the manager keeps changing.

“The odds are that they are going to be relegated, they've not been very good at all this season. But I would give Van Nistelrooy a full season in the Championship to get things right and bring them back. If he doesn't, then you think about getting a manager that's working towards the top of the Championship or lower end of the Premier League with a track record. A Sean Dyche maybe.”

- Keith Wales, CVS Editor - Midland Sport

RUUD VAN NISTELROOY APPOINTED AS LEICESTER CITY MANAGER

Former Manchester United forward Ruud van Nistelrooy has been appointed as the new manager of Leicester City, the Premier League club announced on Friday.

Van Nistelrooy, 48, has signed a contract until the end of the 2027 season and succeeds Steve Cooper as Leicester boss after the English coach was sacked on Sunday, a day after their 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at the King Power Stadium.

Leicester confirmed that Van Nistelrooy will attend the team's match against Brentford on Saturday and will officially start in his new role the following day. First team coach Ben Dawson will take charge of the side at the weekend.

"I'm proud, I'm excited," Van Nistelrooy said in a statement. "Everybody that I speak to about Leicester City Football Club is enthusiastic. They have great stories about the quality of the people working at the club, the supporters and, of course, the recent history of the club is impressive. I'm excited to start and to get to know everyone and give everything I can for the football club."

Van Nistelrooy's first game in charge will be against West Ham on Tuesday.

"It is my pleasure to welcome Ruud to Leicester City," chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said. "He joins a club with a rich history, passionate supporters, and a talented squad, and we are all excited to see the impact he can have as we embark on this new chapter together.

"Ruud's experience, knowledge, and winning mentality will undoubtedly bring great value to us, and we look forward to supporting him in achieving success for our fans and our club."

Ruud van Nistelrooy has signed a contract with Leicester City until the end of the 2026-27 season. Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images

The former Netherlands forward joined United's coaching staff in July as an assistant to compatriot Erik ten Hag. After Ten Hag was sacked last month, Van Nistelrooy took charge on an interim basis and had three wins and a draw in his four games at the helm before Ruben Amorim was hired as Ten Hag's full-time replacement.

Coincidentally, Van Nistelrooy's short tenure at Old Trafford included two wins over his new team -- a 5-2 thrashing of a weakened Leicester side in the Carabao Cup and a 3-0 win in the Premier League.

The Leicester job is Van Nistelrooy's second senior full-time managerial role, having led PSV Eindhoven for almost a season where he won the Dutch Cup before quitting near the end of the 2022-23 campaign.

The midlands club enjoyed a stunning Premier League title success in 2015-2016 but were relegated in 2023 before coming straight back up under Enzo Maresca, who then left to join Chelsea.

Leicester are 16th in the Premier League, one point clear of the relegation zone.

Information from the Associated Press contributed to this report.

- ESPN

RUUD VAN NISTELROOY SET FOR LEICESTER JOB - SOURCES

Ruud van Nistelrooy applauds the fans during his spell as interim head coach of Manchester United. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA

Former Manchester United forward Ruud van Nistelrooy is in line to take the head coach role at Premier League strugglers Leicester City, sources have told ESPN.

Talks between Leicester and Van Nistelrooy, who has also been linked with Hamburg, are ongoing but there is increasing positivity that a deal will be agreed for the Dutchman to succeed Steve Cooper at the King Power Stadium.

Cooper was sacked on Sunday, a day after the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea which left Leicester 16th in the Premier League and just a point above the relegation places.

Cooper only lasted 15 games in the role after replacing Enzo Maresca in the summer following the Italian's departure to take charge at Chelsea.

Van Nistelrooy, who managed PSV Eindhoven for a year between 2022 and 2023, enjoyed a short spell as United's interim head coach following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag and the arrival of Ruben Amorim.

Coincidentally, two of Van Nistelrooy's games in charge were against Leicester. The first was a 5-2 win in the Carabao Cup and the second was a 3-0 victory in the league. Leicester's next game is against Brentford on Saturday.

Van Nistelrooy spent five successful seasons as a player at Old Trafford, scoring 150 goals in 219 games. He returned to the club in the summer as assistant to Ten Hag along with Rene Hake following the departures of Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy.

- Rob Dawson, Correspondent

RUUD VAN NISTELROOY LEAVES MAN UNITED AFTER RÚBEN AMORIM ARRIVAL

Manchester United have announced that interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy has left the club after the arrival of permanent head coach Rúben Amorim on Monday.

Van Nistelrooy oversaw four games in the aftermath of Erik ten Hag's sacking, winning three and drawing one. The team scored 11 goals during his short tenure.

The former Netherlands international and club legend departs along with others from Ten Hag's pre-existing backroom staff.

"Manchester United can confirm that Ruud van Nistelrooy has left the club. Ruud rejoined in the summer and has taken charge of the team for the past four matches as interim head coach.," the club statement said.

"Ruud is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend. We are grateful for his contribution and the way in which he has approached his role throughout his time with the club.

"He will always be very welcome at Old Trafford. Rene Hake, Jelle ten Rouwelaar and Pieter Morel have also departed and we wish them all well for the future.

"We will confirm the full men's first team coaching composition in due course."

Van Nistelrooy was a fan favourite as a player at Old Trafford, scoring 150 goals in 219 appearances over a five-year period.

Ruud van Nistelrooy has a strong connection with the Man United fans. Getty Images

He was previously head coach at Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, resigning ahead of the final day of the 2022-23 season amid concerns that the team's hierarchy were not backing him.

Meanwhile, Matthijs de Ligt says the biggest challenge facing Amorim is to get everyone "on the same wavelength" ahead of a potential tactical switch at Old Trafford.

Amorim is set to implement his 3-4-3 formation when his reign gets underway against Ipswich Town on November 24. He would be the first United boss to regularly play with a three-man defence since Louis van Gaal in 2014.

De Ligt said the squad can adapt to the change if Amorim and his staff can get the players "on the same page."

"I think a back three or a back four, it's in general the same, the only thing of importance is how the team is set up," he said.

"You can play in a back three but if everything is not compact and everybody is doing their own job then it's going to be really difficult, the same in a back four. That's going to be the biggest challenge for the trainers, to get everyone on the same wavelength and same page to improve as a team and improve as players."

Amorim has officially started his new job after flying in from Portugal following his final game in charge of Sporting CP on Sunday.

With most players on international duty or on holiday during the international break, he will have to wait to meet the majority of his squad. Casemiro is among the players who is yet to speak to Amorim, but the Brazilian is backing the appointment.

"We have not spoken, but everyone speaks so well of him," Casemiro said.

"Above all he is very true, very loyal. We cannot ignore how he has changed Sporting. We know that Sporting won many titles, changed the club with titles, with trophies. He has already proved that and has won a lot.

"I think there is going to be a good template that everyone wants to grow, everyone wants to learn. I think that is the way to first help us grow to be at the top of the table."

Information from ESPN's Rob Dawson contributed to this report.

- ESPN

MAN UNITED NAME RÚBEN AMORIM AS NEW MANAGER

Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of Rúben Amorim as their new manager.

He signed a contract at Old Trafford until 2027 with the option of an additional year held by the club. Amorim, 39, will work a notice period with Sporting Lisbon before officially starting work at United on Nov. 11.

Caretaker boss Ruud van Nistelrooy will remain in charge for United's next three games before Amorim's first game against Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Nov. 24.

A source told ESPN that United were aware of the terms of Amorim's contract before approaching Sporting and have negotiated a deal that will cut short his notice period by around three weeks.

He will be in charge of Sporting for their Champions League clash against Manchester City in Lisbon on Tuesday.

A statement issued by United on Friday read: "Rúben is one of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football. Highly decorated as both a player and coach, his titles include winning the Primeira Liga twice in Portugal with Sporting CP; the first of which was the club's first title in 19 years. Ruud van Nistelrooy will continue to take charge of the team until Rúben joins."

United announced the sacking of Erik ten Hag on Monday following the 2-1 defeat to West Ham. A source told ESPN that the club sent a delegation to Lisbon the same day to inform Sporting of their intention to meet the release clause in Amorim's contract.

United are set to pay around €10 million ($10.87m), plus an additional fee of €1m to bring in members of Sporting's staff, sources have told ESPN. The makeup of Amorim's backroom at Old Trafford has not been confirmed.

Van Nistelrooy's long-term future at the club also remains up in the air, though he is set to take charge for his first league game against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday.

- Rob Dawson, Correspondent

VAN NISTELROOY WOULD STAY AT MANCHESTER UNITED 'IN ANY CAPACITY '

Ruud van Nistelrooy said he is ready to stay at Manchester United "in any capacity" whenever a new manager is appointed after overseeing a 5-2 Carabao Cup win against Leicester City at Old Trafford in his first game as interim head coach following Monday's dismissal of manager Erik ten Hag.

United are continuing to negotiate with Sporting CP for the release of head coach Ruben Amorim after agreeing to pay the 39-year-old's €10 million ($10.8 million) clause to replace Ten Hag.

However, sources have told ESPN that although United are "getting there" in their efforts to seal a deal for Amorim, the terms of his contract with the Portuguese champions could see his arrival at Old Trafford delayed until the start of the next international break on Nov 11.

Such a delay to Amorim's arrival at United would likely see Van Nistelrooy remain in interim charge for the Premier League games against Chelsea (Nov. 3) and Leicester City (Nov. 10) as well as the Europa League tie against PAOK Thessaloniki at Old Trafford on Nov. 7.

Having been hired by United as assistant manager to Ten Hag in the summer, Van Nistelrooy's time at the club where he spent five years as a player could yet be short, but he said after the Leicester game that he will stay as long as he is wanted.

"Of course," Van Nistelrooy told Sky Sports. "I came here as an assistant to help the club. Now in this role, I'm helping as long as needed.

Man United interim coach Ruud Van Nistelrooy celebrates after his team scoring a goal against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup. Getty Images

"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.

"To go back to yesterday [Tuesday], of course receiving the players and getting together for the first day after Erik [ten Hag] had to leave was a sad day to share. Mixed emotions.

"He was the one that asked me to work back here again, and in the first conversation we had I felt such a passion and care for this football club. That is why I was so sad to see him go.

"Having said that, football and life continues, and we knew that 75,000 people would be waiting for us here today, with millions more watching at home behind their screens and radios and you have to switch then as players.

"We tried to switch that button for the players, try to get the mindset going and go out tonight and give everything for the fans."

United sealed a Carabao Cup quarterfinal tie away to Tottenham Hotspur with the win against Leicester, but they remain in 14th position in the Premier League table. Results and performances must improve quickly for United to salvage their season, and Van Nistelrooy said that his only job now is to ensure that the team continues on an upwards curve.

"It is clear that this is going to be short term, so for me today was the most important day after what happened," he said. "In such short notice we had to have things getting going and get into the quarterfinals.

"Credit to the players, they were fantastic today.

"For now, the focus is on Chelsea on Sunday, and I do not really look any further."

- Mark Ogden, Senior Writer, ESPN FC

RUUD VAN NISTELROOY: 'MIXED EMOTIONS' FOR MAN UNITED JOB

Manchester United's interim head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy has admitted he has "mixed emotions" ahead of his first game in charge of the club after the sacking of Erik ten Hag.

Van Nistelrooy, a club legend who scored 150 goals in five seasons under Sir Alex Ferguson during his playing career, will take the reins for the first tome on Wednesday as United host Leicester City in the Carabao Cup round of 16.

"As I am sure everyone can imagine, I am writing these notes with a huge amount of mixed emotions," Van Nistelrooy said in the programme for the cup fixture.

"Erik ten Hag brought me back to Manchester United in the summer and, while I have only been part of the coaching staff here for a few months, I will always be grateful to him for giving me the opportunity, and I am saddened to see him leave.

"Even on an interim basis, it is a great honour to manage the club I love for however long I am asked to do so. I can promise that I will continue to give my all, in whatever capacity, to try to turn around our fortunes.

"Despite our results, I am loving being back at Old Trafford and working with the team and staff every day. We've seen the squad's potential at times this season, but clearly not often enough."

Van Nistelrooy added that he feels United can return to the upper echelons of world football and called for the fans to back his team as a new era begins.

Ruud van Nistelrooy sat alongside Erik ten Hag as Man United were beaten at West Ham on Sunday. Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

"Now is the time for everyone at the club to work together, give everything and turn this season around while we have time. From my experiences as both a player and a coach here, I can say for sure that when players, staff and supporters pull together, Manchester United can be unstoppable," he said.

How long the Dutch coach will remain in charge is as yet unknown, as United are engaged in talks with Sporting CP over their head coach Rúben Amorim.

The deal moved closer earlier on Tuesday with the Portuguese club informing the country's financial regulator that United had confirmed their willingness to pay Amorim's €10 million ($10.79m) release clause.

Sources have told ESPN that United are determined to seal a deal for the highly rated coach to replace Erik ten Hag before Sunday's Premier League clash against Chelsea.

United are aware of other complicating issues such as a mandatory notice period, sources told ESPN, but remain confident an agreement can be reached.

Information from ESPN's Mark Ogden contributed to this report.

- ESPN

MAN UNITED SACK ERIK TEN HAG; RUUD VAN NISTELROOY INTERIM

Erik ten Hag has been sacked as Manchester United manager following Sunday's 2-1 Premier League defeat against West Ham United, the club announced on Monday.

Ten Hag, who had his contract extended in the summer, has been dismissed following a run of just four wins from 13 games to start the new season.

Ruud van Nistelrooy will take over on an interim basis and is set to be in charge for the Carabao Cup tie against Leicester City at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Sources have told ESPN that United bosses made the decision to sack Ten Hag after losing faith that the Dutchman would be able to turn things around after a poor start to the new campaign. After earning just 11 points from nine league games, there are already concerns that United are too far adrift to qualify for next season's Champions League.

Results and performances in the Premier League at the end of last season were also taken into account.

United finished eighth in the table last season and are languishing in 14th after defeat at the London Stadium on Sunday.

Ten Hag was kept on in the summer after leading United to a surprise 2-1 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

The decision followed an extensive end-of-season review during which club bosses, including new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, held talks with a number of different candidates.

But despite conversations with potential replacements, Ratcliffe and his INEOS team decided to keep Ten Hag in his job and extend his contract until June 2026. Van Nistelrooy, who played for United between 2002 and 2006, arrived as part of a revamped backroom staff along with former Go Ahead Eagles manager Rene Hake.

Erik ten Hag's last game in charge at Man United was Sunday's defeat to West Ham. Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Hake is set to stay at Old Trafford to support Van Nistelrooy in his caretaker role. Van Nistelrooy has a year of managerial experience with Dutch side PSV Eindhoven. He left his role in 2023 after leading PSV to success in the Dutch cup.

Sources have told ESPN that United have already started to assess options for their next permanent manager. Thomas Tuchel was a leading candidate in the summer but the former Bayern Munich boss has since agreed to take over as England manager.

Ratcliffe, INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford and sporting director Dan Ashworth are all admirers of former England manager Gareth Southgate, although he has said he does not want to return to coaching until next summer.

- Rob Dawson, Correspondent

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