Ruud van Nistelrooy finally breaks silence on Erik ten Hag's sacking and calls out Man Utd squad

Ruud van Nistelrooy has broken his silence on Erik ten Hag's Manchester United sacking ahead of taking charge of the club.

Van Nistelrooy has been put in charge of Man United for tonight's Carabao Cup clash against Leicester City at Old Trafford following Ten Hag's dismissal.

He returned to the club in the summer following a prolific spell as a player, where he scored an impressive 150 goals across all competitions, winning the Premier League title in the 2002/03 season.

But it appears his stint as an assistant manager at Man United won't last long ahead of Ruben Amorim's proposed move.

Speaking ahead of leading the Red Devils against the Foxes, he seemed to call out the squad, saying: "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."

Van Nistelrooy added: "We’ve seen the squad’s potential at times this season, but clearly not often enough. Now is the time for everyone at the club to work together, give everything and turn this season around while we have time."

In another interview, he spoke about the cultures and values that still exist: "I think it’s great, that you enter somewhere and immediately see, taste, smell the culture.

"I had it at PSV, at Real Madrid. At Heerenveen. Values. Standards. I want to read about it, understand something about the culture you’re entering. That was the case at United too."

Ruud van Nistelrooy applauds the travelling Manchester United support at West Ham United. Image: Getty

Ten Hag not only brought in Van Nistelrooy but also Rene Hake, who arrived from Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles.

The legendary forward will get a taste of managing Man United as he'll look to guide the club to the next round of the competition.

Man United booked their spot in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup following their 7-0 drubbing of Championship outfit Barnsley last month.