Ruud van Nistelrooy trying to ‘make things better’ at Manchester United

Ruud van Nistelrooy knows Manchester United’s return to the top will take time but relishes the challenge of helping a club he says still shares positive traits from his playing days under Sir Alex Ferguson.

The fan favourite scored 150 goals in 219 appearances between 2001 and 2006, winning a Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup before leaving in somewhat acrimonious fashion.

A lot changed at United between then and when Van Nistelrooy returned to Old Trafford in the summer as one of Erik ten Hag’s assistants as part of a backroom team reshuffle.

The 48-year-old recently stepped up to interim manager and is taking charge of one last match at home to Leicester on Sunday before new head coach Ruben Amorim begins his post.

A fourth consecutive home game awaits on Sunday