Ruud van Nistelrooy’s fiery passion on the sidelines is something that fans have never seen from Erik ten Hag during his tenure at Manchester United.
Hold off on talking about Ruben Amorim, or how United performed in Van Nistelrooy’s first match as interim coach. Just know that there was an electric energy flowing from Van Nistelrooy’s intense gaze to the fighting spirit of the players and the roaring atmosphere at Old Trafford. A 5-2 win over Leicester marked a powerful debut for this “inspirational leader.” At the very least, the 48-year-old interim coach brought that energy.
Van Nistelrooy’s body language was in stark contrast to Ten Hag’s. The former Dutch striker appeared polished in a dark coat, turtleneck, and trousers, resembling a coach ready to make an impression. While Ten Hag often stands silently with arms crossed on the sideline, Van Nistelrooy freely displayed his emotions. The interim manager cheered his players as they pushed the defensive line higher and celebrated every goal passionately. Over the 90 minutes against Leicester, Van Nistelrooy showed more spirit than Ten Hag has in his entire 128-match tenure.
Van Nistelrooy even shared lighthearted moments with Leicester’s Steve Cooper. “What a shot!” he shouted at Casemiro’s stunning goal. Van Nistelrooy raised both fists into the air, his eyes alight with enjoyment. This was no man lacking in confidence.
Old Trafford has been weighed down by a gloomy atmosphere this season, with boos frequently directed at Ten Hag. But against Leicester, chants of “Ruud” filled the stadium. It’s a testament to the fans’ enduring affection for their former striker, who once scored 150 goals for MU. After the final whistle, Van Nistelrooy raised his arms, acknowledging the thunderous applause from Stretford End. This bond between him and the United fans has been strong for years, something Ten Hag has yet to establish even after three seasons.
Ten Hag has shown little faith in Amad Diallo, but Van Nistelrooy has been different, applauding the Ivorian winger when he replaced Marcus Rashford. After Diallo’s unsuccessful bicycle kick attempt, Van Nistelrooy was visibly thrilled. He also encouraged other young players like Ethan Wheatley and cheered on those subbed off, including Rashford, Lisandro Martinez, and Alejandro Garnacho.
Van Nistelrooy has breathed new life into United. The 48-year-old coach radiates passion, fire, and a connection to the club that Ten Hag lacks. The prospect of a young manager ready to turn around the post-Ferguson years has reawakened, though caution is warranted against another false dawn. After all, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer similarly made waves when he initially replaced Jose Mourinho as interim.
Still, Van Nistelrooy has rekindled United’s spirit. Before Ruben Amorim’s potential arrival, the Dutchman could spark United’s revival as he did in the win over Leicester, igniting fervor both on and off the field. Delays in Amorim’s appointment mean Van Nistelrooy may have three more games as interim manager, making MU a team to watch in the coming month.