Manchester United players are reported to be keen for Ruud van Nistelrooy to still have a role once Ruben Amorim starts work as new head coach next week.

Van Nistelrooy returned to the club during the summer after being offered a joint assistant manager role by Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman was then handed temporary control when his compatriot was dismissed last month and has so far overseen games against Leicester City and Chelsea.

He will remain in charge for upcoming clashes with PAOK and Leicester (again), before Amorim then takes the reins from Monday at the start of the November international break.

But Van Nistelrooy’s brief spell as boss has had an impact and Sky Sports reports that United players consider him their “connector” and appreciate how he has communicated. The 48-year-old is considered a legend by fans, but is also said to be held in high esteem by both senior management and all staff with involvement in first-team operations.

The complication could emerge over what role is available to him. Amorim is believed to want as many as five of his backroom team at Sporting CP to follow from Lisbon, which includes assistants Emanuel Ferro, 45, Carlos Fernandes, 29, and Adelio Candido, 28. It may be that, to stay, Van Nistelrooy’s exact role would have to be redefined.

Van Nistelrooy told the Sky cameras after Sunday’s game against Chelsea that he has “enjoyed every second” of being interim boss over the past week. “I will do so for the time being.”

As for what his future may bring, he added: “I am here to help and will get behind the new manager.

“Everyone at the club is focusing on the two games [against PAOK and Leicester]. After that, we get behind him and work hard to make United better every day. I think over the coming days and weeks everything will be talked about. I’m waiting for that.”

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