Rio Ferdinand hits out at Ruben Amorim's first big Man United decision

Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand has suggested that Ruben Amorim's decision to dismiss Ruud van Nistelrooy could potentially upset players and fans.

Van Nistelrooy, who took charge of four matches as interim manager after Erik ten Hag was sacked, was informed on Monday that his services were no longer needed. Despite performing well in his role, winning three games and drawing one while Amorim concluded his tenure at Sporting Lisbon, the former United striker's return to the club was short-lived.

Amorim arrived in Manchester on Monday with his coaching team from Sporting, ready to take the reins at United. He personally informed Van Nistelrooy of his decision and is now preparing for his first match in charge, an away game against Ipswich on November 24.

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Ferdinand, a former teammate of Van Nistelrooy at United, praised the Dutchman's recent conduct. He said on Rio Ferdinand Presents: "His audition couldn't have gone any better.

"I think, knowing him, there was a steely determination underneath that said, 'I'm going to put myself in the best position, either to stay at the club in some capacity or someone else is going to say we need you as a manager'.

"He looked the part and he produced. The players needed that. We're in a time where there was a lot of turbulence, the manager's relationships with some players seemed fractured and irreversible and the fans seemed to have made their minds up that that was it.

"And the new manager comes in – and you always get that bounce – but this seemed a bit different from a bounce. The players had grown to really like him, they appreciated how he informed them of different bits and pieces – tactically, individually, as a team – and there was a genuine 'we want to do well for this guy'."

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