Ruud van Nistelrooy wants Manchester United stay amidst Ruben Amorim links

Manchester United's interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has expressed his desire to stay with the club in a managerial capacity after a stunning 5-2 win against Leicester City. As the search for Erik ten Hag's permanent replacement continues, Van Nistelrooy hopes to remain with his former side in some capacity.

In Short

• Van Nistelrooy took over as the interim manager after Ten Hag's sacking
• The interim boss said that he wants to serve United as long as possible
• Reports indicate that Ruben Amorim is set to be announced a new United coach

Ruud van Nistelrooy, interim manager of Manchester United, has expressed his desire to stay with the club in a managerial role once a permanent replacement for Erik ten Hag is appointed. The former United striker marked his debut in charge with an impressive 5-2 victory over Leicester City in the League Cup on Wednesday, kicking off the post-Ten Hag era on a high note.

Appointed just two days after United parted ways with Ten Hag, who left with the team struggling in 14th place in the Premier League, Van Nistelrooy’s first outing was memorable. Captain Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro both netted twice, with Casemiro scoring a remarkable 25-yard goal that had Van Nistelrooy celebrating enthusiastically on the touchline.

"I came in as an assistant to help the club and now in this role I'm helping as long as I'm needed and in the future in any capacity," Van Nistelrooy told reporters.

"I'm here to help, I'm here to serve, I'm here to give my everything for the club in any capacity, with so many people around me that want the best for the club and that will never change," the former United and Netherlands striker added.

This was especially rewarding for Casemiro, who had faced sharp criticism after being substituted at halftime in a recent 3-0 loss to Liverpool.

"I was delighted for Casemiro, the way he's been training and helping the team and the club, he's such an example, also to see the crowd's reaction, they also know what he's about," Van Nistelrooy said.

"Of course, going through difficult moments, the Liverpool game, a lot of criticism, it's so hard, it's not fair, he didn't deserve that, if you see him train and prepare for games, he's an example for us, and that was part of my celebration also."

The Old Trafford crowd showed their support, chanting Van Nistelrooy’s name after the final whistle. Though still adjusting to the challenges of the interim role after his fellow Dutchman Ten Hag's departure, Van Nistelrooy appeared encouraged by the reception and performance.

"The days leading up to this were with mixed feelings, sad to see Erik go, he was the one who got me here, and in our first conversation the passion he showed for the club, that's where we got connected, and it was sad to see him leave," he said.

Reports indicate that Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim is favored to become the next permanent manager, though it’s expected he will remain with Sporting until after the upcoming international break. In the meantime, Van Nistelrooy will continue to lead United, with a key Premier League match against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday. If United advance, they’ll face Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup quarter-finals.