When Man United icon Ruud van Nistelrooy resigned I needed to be convinced to return

Ruud van Nistelrooy's single season at the helm of PSV Eindhoven was enough to create lasting bonds, with Ibrahim Sangare so affected by the coach's resignation that he reportedly had to be persuaded to return to training.

Van Nistelrooy, 48, guided PSV to Dutch Cup glory and a runners-up spot in the Eredivisie before resigning in May 2023 due to disagreements with the club's top brass. While some players were allegedly relieved to see the back of Manchester United's new interim coach, criticising his approach, Sangare – who moved to Nottingham Forest for £30m last year – was not among them.

ESPN journalist Milan von Dongen shared insights into the Ivorian's reaction: "They had to get him out of there to get him back," he said. "He was furious about Van Nistelrooy's departure.

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"So there will also be talk within the group of players." Despite it being Van Nistelrooy's only senior managerial role to date, his impact on certain PSV players is clear, mirroring the impression he made as a United legend with 150 goals in 219 games.

Sangare, 26, demonstrated the depth of his feelings when he left the club for England shortly after Van Nistelrooy's departure, reports the Mirror. The two have since been reunited in the Premier League, with Van Nistelrooy joining United's staff as Erik ten Hag's assistant over the summer.

On Monday, it was announced that the retired striker has stepped up to take charge at United as interim manager following Ten Hag's dismissal. The Reds are currently experiencing their worst start to a Premier League season, sitting 14th in the table after a 2-1 defeat to West Ham on Sunday.

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