Since returning to Man United four months ago, Van Nistelrooy has seen a lot of change. The Dutchman went from assistant to interim manager to replace Erik ten Hag, then had to leave when Ruben Amorim arrived. There have been injury storms, media scandals, humiliating defeats and now the time to leave, everything seems like yesterday for Van Gol.
The Man United players admire and respect Van Nistelrooy, not only because he is a legend of the team. In the dressing room, Van Gol is commented as a pleasant person, the way of communicating makes everyone respect him because of his sincerity. Not only the players, the staff at Old Trafford and Carrington also have a very pleasant view of the Dutch coach.
When Van Nistelrooy arrived at Ten Hag's call, in addition to his professional duties, the Dutch strategist was also assigned to bring spirit and excitement to the players. When Ten Hag left the chair, that was felt more clearly through each match, each gesture and the way Van Gol exploded when celebrating his team's goal.
The only regret is that Ruben Amorim did not choose Van Nistelrooy as his assistant. In fact, the two did not have a direct meeting. Van Gol left Carrington at noon on November 11, a few hours before the private plane carrying Amorim and his assistants landed in Manchester. Fans still hoped for a meeting to mark the transition between the two coaches, but it did not happen. However, in his statements in the last days of leading Sporting, Amorim reserved the most beautiful words for Van Nistelrooy.
On the homepage, Man United announced that Van Nistelrooy had left the club and the Dutch strategist would always be warmly welcomed at Old Trafford.
"From the very first moment, he told us to always enjoy and be happy with every moment playing for Manchester United" - Casemiro shared after the 3-0 win over Leicester.
That enjoyment and joy, the fans and players of M.U can feel every time Van Gol steps out of the Old Trafford tunnel. He always spends a lot of time interacting and greeting the fans. Every time the home team scores, the young strategist celebrates as if he was still playing for the "Red Devils".
Van Nistelrooy says the team continues to play the same way, about 85% the same as when Ten Hag was in charge. The remaining 15% is a difference in spirit and enthusiasm. If Van Nistelrooy were to take charge under Ed Woodward, a permanent position would likely be created.
"This feels like closing a great chapter, the future is still very open" - Van Nistelrooy shared in the press conference after the win over Leicester. His future in the near future may no longer be tied to Man United but further, on a beautiful day, a reunion may take place.
