Ruud van Nistelrooy remains tight-lipped about his future but has vowed he plans to, from Monday, offer his full support to incoming Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim. And the interim manager has channelled his inner Sir Alex Ferguson by issuing a rallying call for all supporters to do the same.
A new era begins after Sunday's Premier League clash against Leicester City, which will potentially serve as Van Nistelrooy's second Old Trafford farewell.
The Dutchman has steadied the ship and remained undefeated since temporarily taking the reins from Erik ten Hag last month - beating Leicester and PAOK and drawing against Chelsea.
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As he prepares to take charge of United's fourth consecutive match on home turf, Van Nistelrooy has expressed his strong belief that the foundations are in place for the club's former glories to return.
"The history at this club is incredible and it will always be a huge honour for me to have played a part in that as a player," Van Nistelrooy wrote in Sunday's matchday programme.
"Now, however, I am here as a coach looking towards the future. When I do that, I see only good things for Manchester United.
"I absolutely believe that this club has all the ingredients to get back to the levels I knew as a player, but it will take a lot of hard work and determination from everyone around the club to get there."
Van Nistelrooy, whose future is up in the air after Ten Hag's exit, has commanded United fans to back Amorim and retain faith in the club's underperforming players.
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The 48-year-old mirrored Ferguson's passionate address to the Old Trafford crowd in 2013 after David Moyes was announced as his successor.
He continued: "From [Monday], I will be getting behind our new head coach, Ruben Amorim, and I urge everyone who loves the club to do the same.
"I have worked with this squad every day since the summer and I can tell you that there is huge potential in these players, from the experienced pros down to the lads coming up through the Academy.
"The coaches, club staff and supporters all have a role in helping those players become the best they can be."
Van Nistelrooy included a rallying call to United's current squad, which he has no doubt repeated directly behind closed doors.
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He concluded: "Of course, it starts with players who hold themselves and each other accountable, because playing for Manchester United requires massive character, hard work and dedication every single day.
"There is no hiding place, especially with today's media environment, but that is the kind of challenge you have to relish and meet head-on.
"You show courage, you fight and you show your talent for yourself, for that badge on your shirt and, most importantly, for the greatest fans in the world.
"Let me tell you, whether you're a player or a coach, there is nothing like representing Manchester United Football Club."
