Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has pleaded with incoming boss Ruben Amorim to retain the services of Ruud van Nistelrooy after extending his unbeaten run as interim. United beat PAOK 2-0 in the Europa League on Thursday to record their first win in Europe in over a year to demonstrate the stability Van Nistelrooy has brought after a poor start to the season.
The Dutchman was placed in temporary charge following the sacking of Erik ten Hag on October 28 after previously working as his assistant. And his rapport with the players has not gone unnoticed during his short time managing the team.
United have hired Sporting head coach Amorim as Ten Hag’s replacement, with the Portuguese officially taking the job on from November 11. That has left Van Nistelrooy in the dark about if he has a future with the Red Devils, as Amorim will bring his own assistants to the club.
But Onana made it clear that Van Nistelrooy has the players’ backing if he decides to stay at Old Trafford.
“100 per cent. He is a very good guy and a very good coach,” Onana said after the game.”He has so much experience and he has done amazing since he has been here.
“We’ve had him for a few days as a head coach and the players are happy, but it’s not something we can decide. The club made a decision [to hire Ruben Amorim] and we have to accept because they have the final decision.”
United had to be patient in breaking down the stubborn PAOK defence, with the Greek side frustrating them for the majority of the game until Amad Diallo struck twice in the second half.
It means Van Nistelrooy has now won two of the three games he has overseen from the dugout, having guided United to a 5-2 win over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup before a 1-1 draw with Chelsea last Sunday.
Van Nistelrooy will lead the side against Leicester again on Sunday for the final time before handing over to Amorim. And the 48-year-old confirmed he is yet to hear from the new boss regarding his future.
“I did [check my phone] after I left your desk, I checked my Wi-fi and it was all on! Nothing yet, patience,” Van Nistelrooy said after he was asked if Amorim had been in touch.
“For me it was important to get results and there was the Leicester game, the Chelsea game and this one [PAOK] so I can only be happy with the performance that the players put in and the bit I could do to help them, I enjoyed it.
“Sunday is another one and I’m so focused on doing that and hardly thinking of what will be next but it will be time to do so.”