Ruud van Nistelrooy 'doesn't want' Manchester United job for one reason

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. This development further narrows down United's options for a new permanent manager.

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Former England boss Gareth Southgate is currently on an extended break from football, Inter Milan's Simone Inzaghi has no interest in relocating to Manchester, and Thomas Tuchel has taken up the England job. Van Nistelrooy's first match as United's caretaker manager will be against Leicester City in the League Cup on Wednesday, followed by a home game against Chelsea on Sunday.

Announcing Ten Hag's sacking, a club statement read: "Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men's first-team manager. Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and