Ruud van Nistelrooy has spoken out for the first time since leaving Manchester United following the arrival of Ruben Amorim. The United legend returned to Old Trafford last summer as assistant manager to Erik ten Hag before becoming interim manager when his fellow Dutchman was sacked in October.

The Dutchman's exit was announced on Monday, just hours after new United head coach Ruben Amorim had arrived in England from Portugal. Van Nistelrooy returned to United during the summer as assistant manager, 18 years after he left the club as a player, and was put in caretaker charge following the exit of fellow countryman Erik ten Hag last month.

Ruud van Nistelrooy said he will “always cherish the memories we have shared together” in a heartfelt parting message to the Manchester United fans.