Manchester United make Ruud van Nistelrooy promise as departure confirmed following Ruben Amorim arrival

Manchester United have confirmed Ruud van Nistelrooy has departed Manchester United following his brief spell as interim manager.

The Dutchman took charge of four games after the departure of Erik ten Hag, winning three and drawing once during his short premiership. Van Nistelrooy appeared to wave goodbye to the Stretford End after Sunday’s 3-0 win over Leicester City but confirmed again post-match that he wanted to remain part of Ruben Amorim’s new-look coaching set-up.

“I want to continue doing that [working at United] in the future,” the 48-year-old said. “The communication was okay [that] ‘after the block of four games, there will be communication towards you and your colleagues that are in an uncertain situation’. So, I expect to hear today or tomorrow from them.”

And late on Monday afternoon confirmation came that Van Nistelrooy will leave the club. “Ruud is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend,” the club said via a statement.

“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.”

Van Nistelrooy returned to United this summer, along with Rene Hake and Jelle ten Rouwelaar, as part of Ten Hag’s new coaching team. But United confirmed all three have now departed, along with another Dutchman Pieter Morel. It is an indication that Amorim will bring in his own backroom staff from Sporting Lisbon, although no announcement has yet been made.

Meanwhile, the first pictures of United’s new head coach have emerged. The Portuguese arrived on Monday afternoon, the day after taking charge of his last game as Sporting boss.

Amorim was photographed speaking to Omar Berrada, Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox upon arrival at Carrington. He also met members of the club's football department and was seen shaking hands with canteen staff.

Amorim will be confined to meetings at this stage and cannot take training until he receives his visa, although the process is expected to be concluded promptly. With a significant number of players away on international duty, his inability to oversee sessions on the grass is irrelevant at this stage.

The 39-year-old’s first game in charge comes on 24 November away to Ipswich Town in the Premier League.