Manchester United’s new phase under head coach Ruben Amorim has taken an early twist, with the recent dismissal of club icon Ruud van Nistelrooy, who had been serving as interim manager. Van Nistelrooy, after leading United to three wins and a draw in four matches, earned praise for his initial impact.
However, Amorim, recently appointed as United’s manager, opted to bring in his own team, signaling a clear break with past staff. This choice has drawn mixed reactions from fans and past United players, notably Rio Ferdinand, who openly expressed disappointment with Amorim’s approach and the club’s decision.
During his brief time as interim manager, van Nistelrooy’s rapport with the squad was apparent, and his tactical understanding won the confidence of several players. Among those who appreciated his influence was defender Matthijs de Ligt, who saw van Nistelrooy as a supportive guide.
However, Amorim decided on a clean slate, bringing with him assistants Carlos Fernandes and Adelio Candido. According to the Portuguese manager, his primary focus is establishing a strong support network of staff he fully trusts, even if that means parting with individuals who were temporarily successful.
On his podcast, *Rio Ferdinand Presents*, Ferdinand shared his unease with the decision, pointing out that van Nistelrooy had swiftly bonded with the team and showcased leadership qualities. He voiced concern that Amorim’s approach might create divisions within the squad, especially given the club’s ongoing restructuring efforts following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s acquisition.
Ferdinand argued that with United in a rebuilding phase, van Nistelrooy’s background and familiarity with the club’s traditions could have been pivotal in nurturing team unity. In Ferdinand’s view, the former striker’s departure is a missed opportunity to reinforce connections between current players and United’s history.
Amid this transition, former United manager Erik ten Hag is also in the spotlight as he considers his next career steps. Ten Hag’s tenure at United began on a high note, with the team securing a third-place Premier League finish and winning both the Carabao and FA Cups.
However, the following season saw United’s form drop, ultimately landing them in eighth place, and despite an extension from INEOS, pressure on ten Hag continued to grow. His departure came with the team sitting in 14th place in the Premier League.
Now a free agent, ten Hag has drawn interest from other clubs, including Roma, which recently approached him about a possible managerial role. Ten Hag declined Roma’s offer, reportedly due to concerns about the club’s current challenges in Serie A. He remains on the lookout for an opportunity that aligns closely with his style and career aspirations.
