Man Utd were right to ignore squad request as boss tears into stars and fans turn
COMMENT: Man Utd were right to ignore a bold request by the club's players.
Manchester United’s squad reportedly wanted Ruud van Nistelrooy to replace Erik ten Hag as the club’s manager. Leicester’s form since the former Red Devils striker’s appointment in November proves Old Trafford bosses were right to ignore that demand.
Van Nistelrooy is understood to have impressed United’s players during his short spell as assistant head coach at the start of the campaign. He was hired as part of a shake-up of Ten Hag’s staff and became an instant hit.
The Dutchman was so highly thought of that he became interim manager after Ten Hag’s dismissal in October. Van Nistelrooy oversaw three wins in four matches.
But United never seemed to seriously consider Van Nistelrooy among the contenders to win the job on a full-time basis. They had their eyes on only one man - Ruben Amorim.
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That is despite the Daily Star reporting that United’s players had previously asked the club to appoint Van Nistelrooy in the event of Ten Hag being sacked. The club’s hierarchy have ultimately been proven correct to make that decision.
Van Nistelrooy was appointed as Leicester boss a month after he confirmed his exit from United in the aftermath of Amorim’s arrival. He got off to the perfect start in the Midlands - beating West Ham 3-1.
But the Foxes have not won in the Premier League since that match on December 3. Their only triumph was a 6-2 thrashing of Championship side QPR in the FA Cup.
Leicester are at risk of being cut adrift from safety in the top-flight, sitting 19th on 14 points. They have lost their last seven league games and Van Nistelrooy fumed after their 2-0 defeat by Fulham last Saturday.
According to the Daily Mail, the 48-year-old was involved in a ‘heated exchange’ with some of his players after the game. It is claimed that on-loan winger Facundo Buonanotte was among those in the firing line.
"You could look at the squad and you know which players were involved in the relegation two years ago. It’s not only in the back four. It’s in the middle of the pitch, up front, and the goalies as well,” Van Nistelrooy brutally said afterwards.
But the head coach cannot be absolved of criticism himself. His side have looked toothless in attack and have had their defence exposed by several teams over the past few weeks.
While United have hardly made the best of starts under Amorim, it is clear that there is more potential for success under the Portuguese coach. They were correct to rule out hiring Van Nistelrooy.
