Ruud van Nistelrooy is reportedly hesitant to step into the role of Manchester United's permanent manager following Erik ten Hag's sacking due to not wanting to betray his close friend.
Ten Hag was dismissed by United on Monday after Sunday's 2-1 defeat to West Ham United. The Reds currently sit 14th place in the Premier League table after nine games.
With only one win in their last eight games across all competitions, United have become a source of ridicule in English football.
The club announced on Monday that Van Nistelrooy will be taking over as caretaker manager. But despite being appointed as Ten Hag's assistant in the summer and being well-liked by the squad, sources from Holland, via the Daily Star, suggest that Van Nistelrooy would be reluctant to replace his friend, viewing it as a potential act of betrayal.