De Ligt hopes for a longer stay of Van Nistelrooij and comments on the arrival of Amorim

Manchester United's temporary spell under Ruud van Nistelrooij ended on a high note with a decisive win against Leicester City.

The former United striker took on the caretaker role following Erik ten Hag’s abrupt departure, guiding the team to three victories in four matches. His brief stint brought a breath of fresh air and stability to a squad that had been struggling for consistency. Van Nistelrooij’s tenure, albeit short, appears to have resonated well with the players, including defender Matthijs de Ligt, who has praised the impact of his compatriot.

De Ligt, reflecting on the Leicester City game, acknowledged that the team’s performance was far from perfect, but emphasized the importance of the result. "It wasn’t necessarily a great game," he admitted to Viaplay. "The result was great; we kept a clean sheet and scored three goals, but at times we were very sloppy. There were moments where we lacked precision in our passing and decision-making, which made it harder for us to control the game. However, defensively we stood strong, and that was key."

The Dutch defender highlighted the improvements made under Van Nistelrooij, particularly in the defensive organization. "We were solid at the back and didn’t concede many chances. Scoring has been a bit of an issue for us recently, so managing to put three past Leicester was fantastic," De Ligt explained. He pointed out that this turnaround in form was crucial after the turmoil following Ten Hag’s exit. "When you play four matches and earn ten points, you can definitely say that we responded well. That’s a credit to the team and to Ruud for stepping in and stabilizing things quickly."

The departure of Erik ten Hag had left Manchester United in a state of uncertainty, and Van Nistelrooij’s appointment was seen as a temporary fix. However, his ability to connect with the players and implement effective tactics has sparked discussions about whether he could remain part of the coaching staff in a different capacity. De Ligt is among those who would welcome such a decision, expressing his admiration for Van Nistelrooij’s approach. "Hopefully, we can continue this way. In my opinion, Ruud could definitely stay on as an assistant. I’ve found him very pleasant to work with in that role. He has a great presence and a deep understanding of the game, which has helped us a lot," said De Ligt.

Looking ahead, the appointment of Rúben Amorim as the new permanent manager has generated a buzz among players and fans alike. The Portuguese coach arrives with a strong reputation, having achieved impressive results with Sporting CP. De Ligt admitted that he does not know much about Amorim yet, but is optimistic about the new chapter. "I don’t know much about the new coach yet, but I do know that he did well at Sporting. He seems to have a clear vision and a strong tactical approach. With a new coach, it’s always a bit of a wait and see, but I’m looking forward to working with him. You just have to give it your all and keep being yourself," he stated.

The former Ajax, Juventus, and Bayern Munich player, who joined United this past summer, believes the team is on the right path but acknowledges that there is room for improvement. "Hopefully, the team will get even better. We need to keep winning these kinds of matches," De Ligt emphasized. "In the Premier League, you can beat anyone, but you can also lose to anyone. That’s the reality of this league. You have to be ready every week, and I hope the new coach can bring consistency and that we can play with confidence."

De Ligt also referenced a recent upset in the league, where Tottenham suffered a surprising defeat against Ipswich, as a reminder of how unpredictable the competition can be. "You can see that again now with Tottenham against Ipswich. It just shows that you can’t take anything for granted in this league. Every team is a tough opponent, and you need to be prepared for that challenge every week," he remarked.

As the team transitions under the leadership of Amorim, De Ligt remains hopeful that the managerial change will help Manchester United find stability and build momentum for the rest of the season. The defender’s focus now shifts to international duty, as he joins the Dutch national team for their upcoming Nations League matches against Hungary and Bosnia-Herzegovina. For De Ligt, this represents an opportunity to maintain his strong form and continue his development as a key player for both club and country.

Concluding his thoughts, De Ligt expressed his desire for the team to harness the positive aspects of Van Nistelrooij’s brief tenure while embracing the new ideas Amorim is expected to bring. "It’s about finding that balance and consistency. We have a lot of talent in the squad, and if we can blend that with a clear tactical plan, I believe we can achieve great things this season," he said. His words echo a sentiment of cautious optimism as Manchester United enters a new era with the hope of turning the page on a turbulent period and striving for success under their new manager.