Ruben Amorim reveals Ruud van Nistelrooy plans as he begins to new Manchester United role

Ruben Amorim has confirmed he plans to speak to Ruud van Nistelrooy today (Monday) on the first day of his new role at Manchester United.

The Portuguese has officially started his position as head coach and will travel to Manchester on Monday. Amorim can attend meetings at Carrington but will be unable to take coaching sessions until his visa is approved, a process club officials expect to be concluded swiftly.

Meanwhile, one of Amorim’s most pressing issues is to sort out the future of Van Nistelrooy. The former United striker took charge of the last four games on an interim basis, helping to bridge the gap between the Erik ten Hag and Amorim eras.

Van Nistelrooy has been open about his desire to remain part of the club’s new coaching regime, despite Amorim previously revealing he wants to bring his own staff with him from Sporting Lisbon. Speaking after the 3-0 win over Leicester City, Van Nistelrooy said he expects to speak to the new boss on Monday to discuss what role he may, or may not, have going forward. That’s a plan Amorim also prescribes to.

“He did a great job. I have to talk with him tomorrow,” the 39-year-old said when asked about Van Nistelrooy in the wake of his final game in charge of Sporting, a 4-2 win over Braga. “Then I will explain everything. I am very clear and I will tell you like it is. Let’s wait until tomorrow.”

On his new role, Amorim added: “It’s going to be difficult, I’m not under any illusions. I feel ready for the new challenge. I’m not naive, I know it’s going to be very different, very difficult. I’m at peace now, I can focus on my new job and I’m looking forward to starting tomorrow.”

Among the biggest discussion points ahead of Amorim’s start is his use of a 3-4-3 shape at Sporting. It’s a system which many believe does not suit United’s current players, but Amorim hinted on Sunday that he will stick with his preferred tactical model.

“You will adapt with the players that you have, some injuries, or no injuries, what kind of players have the abilities to defend, attack, I will discover that in the next few weeks,” the former Portugal midfielder explained.

“We don’t have a lot of time to train, so I have to show something that I know very well. You can take whatever you want from that.”