Ruud van Nistelrooy breaks his silence on Erik ten Hag's Manchester United exit

Manchester United interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has said he is 'saddened' by Erik Ten Hag's exit from Old Trafford - but admits it is a 'great honour' to have been asked to take charge on an interim basis.

Following a run of one win in eight matches, Ten Hag was sacked by United on Monday morning and Van Nistelrooy has been installed as caretaker boss until a permanent replacement is appointed.

The Dutchman will take charge for the first time this evening when United welcome Leicester City to Old Trafford in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

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The former striker returned to Old Trafford in the summer as part of the club's decision to shake up Ten Hag's coaching staff and was appointed as assistant manager alongside Rene Hake. Van Nistelrooy is an immensely popular figure at Old Trafford and is guaranteed to earn a huge ovation ahead of kick-off this evening.

Van Nistelrooy, writing in United Review ahead of tonight's game, said: "As I am sure everyone can imagine, I am writing these notes with a huge amount of mixed emotions.

"Erik ten Hag brought me back to Manchester United in the summer and, while I have only been part of the coaching staff here for a few months, I will always be grateful to him for giving me the opportunity, and I am saddened to see him leave.

"Even on an interim basis, it is a great honour to manage the club I love for however long I am asked to do so. I can promise that I will continue to give my all, in whatever capacity, to try to turn around our fortunes."

For however long Van Nistelrooy is in