New Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has expressed his disappointment at leaving Manchester United but is determined to assert his authority at the King Power Stadium.
The former United striker replaced Steve Cooper as Leicester’s head coach on Friday, signing a contract that runs until 2027.
Van Nistelrooy’s appointment comes after a brief spell as interim manager at Old Trafford, where he took charge following Erik ten Hag’s sacking. He stepped down when Ruben Amorim was appointed last month.
Having joined United as an assistant manager under Ten Hag in July, van Nistelrooy led the team to three wins and one draw during his four-match stint in charge. Despite his success, he was initially upset about his departure.
“The moment I took over the interim job what I said was I’m here to help United and to stay to help United, and I meant it. So I was disappointed, very much so, and it hurt I had to leave,” he said.
“In the end I got my head round it because I also understand the new manager. I’m in football long enough and I’ve managed myself. I understand.
“I spoke to Ruben about it, fair enough to him, the conversation was grateful, man to man, person to person, manager to manager. That helped [me] a lot to move on and straightaway get into talks with new possibilities which of course lifted my spirits.”
Van Nistelrooy takes over a squad that struggled to form a strong connection with Steve Cooper and has faced criticism following last week’s controversial Christmas party in Copenhagen, where players were reprimanded for unacceptable behavior.
Before accepting the role, Van Nistelrooy says he assessed the players’ characters and believes it is essential for them to respect his authority moving forward.
“It’s the only way you can work,” the Dutchman said. “It’s mutual respect. I also mentioned to the players yesterday that I looked at the squad and started to make phone calls about players, because in football everyone knows everyone.
“With two or three phone calls you hear stories about 20 players and for me it was important that you hear there are good characters there. That’s important, that there are good people there.
“I look at the players and how they play. I obviously don’t know them but I got general information… that they are a good bunch of people.”
Ruud in demand after Old Trafford exit
Van Nistelrooy also expressed his surprise at the level of interest in him following his brief stint as Manchester United’s interim manager.
Leicester acted swiftly to appoint the 48-year-old after dismissing Cooper on 24 November, and Van Nistelrooy revealed that he had other opportunities available to him.
“I have to say there were offers there and possibilities. It’s good to have them and look and be critical on where you’re going to work,” said the Dutchman.
“What happened after the games and the amount of interest, the options that all of a sudden were there for me and the options that came along, I was a little bit astonished.
“I went into conversations with Leicester because I thought, having spoken to other people, it was a great opportunity to get to know each other.
“It was a good feeling and in the end both parties felt it. That was a good reason to start working together.”
Van Nistelrooy watched Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Brentford from the stands and is already clear of the target this season.
He said: “The expectations are clear, they are not easy but they are clear. It is something we face, that challenge to maintain and play in the Premier League and that is the big target for everybody.”