Ruud van Nistelrooy has insisted that he 'still believes' Manchester United can return to the top of English and European football but accepts "it will take time and a lot of hard work".
The Dutchman was appointed as Man United's interim head coach on Monday after Erik ten Hag's exit as manager was confirmed, and he is preparing to lead the team into Wednesday's EFL Cup last-16 clash with Leicester City.
Van Nistelrooy has admitted that he has "mixed emotions" ahead of the clash with the Foxes, as he owes a lot to Ten Hag for bringing him back to Old Trafford as an assistant manager over the summer.
However, the 48-year-old, who represented Man United as a player between 2001 and 2006, is 'honoured' to be given the chance to lead the club, even on a temporary basis.
There had been talk of Van Nistelrooy securing the job on a long-term basis, but the Red Devils are seemingly close to bringing in Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim as Ten Hag's replacement.
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Van Nistelrooy is currently in charge of Man United on an interim basis
"Good evening and welcome to Old Trafford. As I am sure everyone can imagine, I am writing these notes with a huge amount of mixed emotions," Van Nistelrooy wrote in United Review.
"Erik ten Hag brought me back to Manchester United in the summer and, while I have only been part of the coaching staff here for a few months, I will always be grateful to him for giving me the opportunity, and I am saddened to see him leave.
"Even on an interim basis, it is a great honour to manage the club I love for however long I am asked to do so. I can promise that I will continue to give my all, in whatever capacity, to try to turn around our fortunes.
"Despite our results, I am loving being back at Old Trafford and working with the team and staff every day. We've seen the squad's potential at times this season, but clearly not often enough.
"Now is the time for everyone at the club to work together, give everything and turn this season around while we have time. From my experiences as both a player and a coach here, I can say for sure that when players, staff and supporters pull together, Manchester United can be unstoppable.
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Van Nistelrooy insists Man United "can be unstoppable"
"Thankfully, we have time on our side and with fixtures coming so regularly now, we also have plenty of opportunities to build up some positive momentum, starting with tonight's visit of Steve Cooper and Leicester City in the Carabao Cup.
"It will not be easy, of course. Leicester are Premier League opposition and they will also be highly motivated by the prospect of moving into the quarter-finals. However, every game we play is also an opportunity for us to remind everyone – ourselves included – of what this great club stands for.
"When I returned in the summer as Erik's assistant, it was because I believe that Manchester United can climb back to the levels that I knew here as a player. I still have that belief, but it will take time and a lot of hard work.
"The first step is to restore the winning habit, starting at Old Trafford this evening. I know first-hand the positive effect that our wonderful fans can have on the team, so please get behind the players as we fight together to move a step closer to Wembley."
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Will Van Nistelrooy be staying at Man United if Amorim arrives?
According to inews, Van Nistelrooy is expecting to leave Man United if Amorim is confirmed as the new head coach.
The report claims that the Portuguese is likely to bring his assistants Carlos Fernandes and Adelio Candido with him to Old Trafford, with Van Nistelrooy therefore potentially departing alongside fellow assistant manager Rene Hake.
However, the notice period in Amorim's Sporting contract could allegedly mean that Van Nistelrooy is in charge of the 20-time English champions for their next four matches ahead of the November international break.
Matt Law
