Ruud van Nistelrooy reveals what he spoke to Sir Alex Ferguson about during first return to Man Utd after contract termination

Manchester United legend and current interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has revealed the details of a conversation he had with Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of his first game in charge on Wednesday.

Van Nistelrooy, 48, took charge of United’s 5-2 win against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup round of 16 on Wednesday evening.

This was his first game as interim boss after stepping in for Erik ten Hag after he parted company with United on Monday.

The United legend was brought to the club as Ten Hag’s assistant in July 2024.

Although he was linked with the job permanently, Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim looks set to take over at Old Trafford with Van Nistelrooy’s future still uncertain.

“I decided to come back here for a very important reason,” said Van Nistelrooy in a press conference on Thursday.

“I came as an assistant to help the club forward, and I’m still motivated to do so in any capacity.

“I go back to my assistant contract that I have here for this season and next, I’m very motivated to stay here and help the club forward, that’s my absolute goal.

“We will see but it’s a contract situation I’m in, and my desire to help the club forward. I can speak about my side of the story and when a new manager is signing and conversations take place we have to see how things develop.”

Ruud van Nistelrooy played for Manchester United during Sir Alex Ferguson's reign (Credit:Getty)

The former Dutch international also explained how he sought advice from his former boss, Ferguson, ahead of the clash against the Foxes.

"Yes, I spoke to him, [Ferguson],” he explained.

“He wished me luck. We spoke shortly about my situation, shortly about the team, and most of all, he wished me luck for the game. It's always great to speak to him."

The former United boss saw his £2m per-year contract as an ambassador of Man United terminated by INEOS as a way of cutting costs as they look to stamp control on the club.

This did not go down well with United fans, who clearly respect Ferguson for his trophy-laden spell at the club, with many crediting him with being the main reason why the club are so revered around the world.

The League Cup tie was the first time Ferguson had been spotted at Old Trafford since the decision was made, after he missed the recent 2-1 home win against Brentford on October 19.

Van Nistelrooy also mentioned how he had spoken to Ten Hag “before the game”.