Ruud van Nistelrooy has called on Manchester United to rediscover “the winning habit” to start building momentum as he prepares to lead his first game as interim manager.

Van Nistelrooy was temporarily handed control on Monday when the club made the decision to part ways with Erik ten Hag. And while it looks as though Ruben Amorim will be appointed the permanent successor, the club legend will have at least Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup tie against Leicester City at Old Trafford in charge of the side he represented with such distinction as a player.

“The first step is to restore the winning habit, starting at Old Trafford this evening,” Van Nistelrooy said in his manager column in the club’s matchday programme for the Leicester tie.

“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,” he called on supporters.

Under Ten Hag, United won only four of their first 13 games across all competitions of 2024/25. Van Nistelrooy, who was asked to join the Dutchman’s coaching staff during the summer, knew a very different United as a player two decades ago but wants to see that spirit of old return.

“Now is the time for everyone at the club to work together, give everything and turn this season around while we have time,” he said.

“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.

“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.”

Van Nistelrooy, who scored 150 goals in five seasons between 2001 and 2006, explained he accepted the invitation to return because he saw the potential in United. Even after a string of poor results, he hasn’t lost belief that the necessary improvement is possible.

“Every game we play is also an opportunity for us to remind everyone – ourselves included – of what this great club stands for,” the 48-year-old said. “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.”

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