Ruben Amorim's first day at Man Utd: Van Nistelrooy axe, CEO's welcome and police escort

Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy has left the club following the arrival of new boss Ruben Amorim. Van Nistelrooy, who took over as interim manager after Erik ten Hag was sacked, was informed that he would not be part of Amorim’s coaching team.

The former United striker had been in charge for four games, securing three wins and a draw. However, with Amorim bringing his own backroom staff from Sporting, Van Nistelrooy’s time at the club has come to an end.

In a statement, United said: “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. 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.”

Amorim arrived in Manchester on a private jet at 1.45pm and was immediately escorted by police to United’s Carrington training complex. Accompanied by his coaching staff – Carlos Fernandes, Adelio Candido, Paulo Barreira, Emanuel Ferro, and Jorge Vital – they were all given a tour of the training facilities.

The 39-year-old Amorim is eagerly awaiting the green light to begin his tenure at Manchester United, with the club confident his work visa will be processed in the next few days, having met Dan Ashworth and CEO Omar Berrada at Carrington.

Upon discussing his appointment at United, he said: “I feel ready for the new challenge. I’m not naive, I know it’s going to be very different – very difficult. I’m not under any illusions. But it’s what it has to be.

“I’m at peace now, I can focus on my new job and I’m looking forward to starting. I know it will be difficult to reproduce what I have here anywhere else, but there are other places with different exposure and pressure. I won’t become a different person. I know I’ll be fine. Whether it’s three months or 10 years, I know I’ll be fine.

“I certainly won’t lose my essence – I’d sooner lose my coaching career. I’m sorry for this decision in the middle of the season, but I felt it was my time and my path. I need to be fully committed.”

When queried about potentially transferring Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres and his impressive tally of 23 goals this season over to a new club, Amorim dispelled the notion.

“We can’t go somewhere and try to replicate what happened here,” he expressed. “The leagues are different and I don’t know what the team needs more. I don’t know what’s going to happen.”