Ruud van Nistelrooy ready for tough media criticism by ex-players as he is set for his first Premier League game in charge.
Ruud van Nistelrooy is not expecting an easy ride from his former Manchester United teammates in the media.
In recent years, the opinions of former players who were part of the all-conquering Sir Alex Ferguson team that included Van Nistelrooy, such as Rio Ferdinand, Roy Keane, and Gary Neville, have taken centre stage in discussions about United.
The Dutchman is prepared for everything the naysayers have to say because he will remain United’s temporary manager for three more games before Rúben Amorim takes over permanently during the November international break.
“We all do our jobs don’t we and basically they care for the club,” Van Nistelrooy said when asked whether his former colleagues’ criticism would be an issue. “They want the club to do well. And they are disappointed when it doesn’t go well, and they have opinions on that.
“I don’t take it personally. When I see them and have a cup of coffee with them I have no problems. I appreciate them as former colleagues and some of them I’m still in touch with. That’s the path some of them choose and others stay more on the football side. So for me it is absolutely fine.”
In his first game following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, Van Nistelrooy led his team to a 5-2 victory over Leicester in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, scoring goals on his own. When in-form Chelsea visits Old Trafford on Sunday, his credentials will be put to the test in a more rigorous manner.
“In the end you are going to be judged,” he said. “I think [against Leicester] the reaction was good and everybody was positive. In football things can change or it can continue, but I don’t believe the hype or the drama that much. I know it’s the world we live in. For me it’s important to stay calm. Do my job on a daily basis and I think that also has to be the case for this club. We are not going to turn it around from today to tomorrow. But I believe we’re going to get it done over the long-term future.”
Additionally, Van Nistelrooy thinks Joshua Zirkzee will overcome his detractors and establish himself as a vital member of United. Zirkzee, who was acquired from Bologna for €42.5 million (£35.8 million) in the summer, scored on his debut but has since failed to score in 13 games and has drawn criticism from supporters.
“He’s a young player with a lot of potential,” Van Nistelrooy said of his countryman. “He’s a typical No 9 in the sense that [his] hold-up play is very good. He is good in the combination play. He’s a different type to Rasmus [Højlund], who’s getting behind defenders. Josh is more one who’s coming towards the ball and gets the team playing. He’s one with a lot of talent, a good age and a lot of potential to develop. One we need to look after. Give him time and he will get better and better and be a very big player for this club.”