Ruud van Nistelrooy has just three more games to help Manchester United as head coach but he’s already cited two players he believes will improve the club long-term. Despite the appointment of Ruben Amorim being confirmed on Friday, his 30-day notice period with Sporting CP means the Dutchman will remain at the helm for three more matches.
Irrespective of how the Red Devils perform against Chelsea, PAOK Salonika and Leicester, Van Nistelrooy has already said he expects to remain on the coaching staff when Amorim starts his tenure.
But in an apparent message to the Portuguese boss, he’s warned that any overhaul should not include exiling new signings Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee.
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Uruguayan international Ugarte signed from PSG in the summer for a £42million fee, following a lengthy pursuit from INEOS and Erik ten Hag. He’s yet to display his best form and didn’t start regularly under his former manager, but Van Nistelrooy has backed him to shine.
“I am convinced Manuel will be a great player for United,” he said. “He’s only been here a couple of months but I think he is a great signing. He has very specific qualities in midfield where he gets in between players, can recover a lot of balls and get us into attacking positions.”
Ugarte, 23, was left out of Ten Hag’s final United line-up, with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen favoured in central midfield for the loss at West Ham. However, under the interim boss he was in the XI three days later for the resounding 5-2 League Cup win against Leicester.
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He’s not the only new club signing to have come in for criticism either. Joshua Zirkzee initially appeared to hit the ground running after joining from Bologna in the summer, scoring on his Premier League debut in the 1-0 win over Fulham.
But that’s proved the Dutch international’s only goal in 14 appearances this season, with United’s lack of prowess in front of goal undoubtedly contributing to their stuttering start. But the forward also started against Leicester, and now his compatriot is backing him to perform as he gains experience.
“Josh is similar to Manuel, he’s a young player with a lot of potential so we need to look after, give him time,” he added. “He will get better and be a very big player for this club.
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United also signed Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, and Noussair Mazrouai in the summer. De Ligt has been a prominent starter since his arrival from Bayern Munich, but Yoro is yet to make his debut after undergoing surgery for a foot injury shortly after his move from Lille.
Right-back Mazrouai meanwhile, has been deployed on the left due to the injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. The Moroccan was the one available new signing who didn’t start under Van Nistelrooy in midweek.
