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Man United hero pleads with Ruben Amorim to snub Ruud van Nistelrooy’s help
by Abbie Meehan · Manchester Evening NewsRuben Amorim should consider axing Ruud van Nistelrooy when he takes charge at Manchester United to avoid confusion, says Teddy Sheringham.
Van Nistelrooy was handed the reins at United after Erik ten Hag's two-and-a-half year spell at Old Trafford came to an end with a 2-1 defeat at the hands of West Ham. The Dutchman is in charge on an interim basis, and has notched up a 5-2 win over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup as well as a 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League.
Despite the Dutchman's decent start to life as the club's interim manage, Sporting CP boss Amorim has since been unveiled as United's new boss, and is set to take over from Van Nistelrooy on November 11. He has already made a positive impression by defeating rivals Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League this week.
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When Amorim takes up his position in the Old Trafford dugout, ex-United star Sheringham has advised him to bring in his own team, suggesting that Van Nistelrooy might not align with the 39-year-old's vision and that a fresh approach is needed at the club.
Speaking to Flashscore, Sheringham said: "It wouldn't be a mistake for Ruben Amorim to part ways with Ruud van Nistelrooy." He added: "Most managers come in with their staff behind them, and with his stock so high, he will be able to make his own demands.
"If he doesn't know Ruud and doesn't know his personality, then he won't have his back. I think when new managers come in, it's time for a fresh start, and you don't want any confusion as to what was at the club before."
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Since joining in the summer, Van Nistelrooy has been applauded for his impact on players, particularly forwards like Marcus Rashford, who attribute their improvement to his training exercises. Amorim now must focus on revitalising United's form in the Premier League after a disappointing first few months.
The Portuguese coach promises to switch things up at United, aiming for high-possession, high-pressing three-back football and a total mentality shift. Yet according to Sheringham, stepping into such a prestigious managerial role won't come without its challenges, given the enhanced scrutiny that accompanies the position.
"Ruben Amorim has a good record in Portugal, but he's coming into one of the biggest clubs in the world, and it's a tough ship to sail," Sheringham said. "A lot of top managers have failed at Man Utd. I love his youthfulness and the exuberance that follows him, but we'll have to see what happens in sticky times because it's a tough job to have at such a young age.
"I think Amorim is coming out and saying the right things, but until he's in the hot seat, we have no idea what to expect. We do know that Man Utd went out and got their man, which is the main thing. Erik ten Hag could have gone a lot sooner in a lot of people's eyes. But they've gone out and got their man now, and hopefully, he's right for the job."
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