"Always cherish the memories we have shared" - Ruud van Nistelrooy writes emotional farewell to Manchester United fans following Old Trafford exit

Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has written an emotional farewell after his stint as interim head coach at the club came to an end. The Dutchman was appointed at the helm on a temporary basis after Erik ten Hag's sacking.

The Manchester United management moved quickly to appoint Ruben Amorim as the new permanent head coach, leaving Nistelrooy with four games to manage. And the former striker came out with flying colors, remaining unbeaten while registering three wins.

A fan favorite during his playing days, the former Netherlands international was given a rousing send-off at Old Trafford after his last game. He has now penned an emotional message on Instagram, which reads:

“To everyone at Manchester United Football Club, in particular the backroom staff, the players and the fans. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible efforts and support. It has been a privilege and honour to represent the club as a player, coach and manager, and I will always cherish the memories we have shared together.

"MUFC will always have a special place in my heart, and I hope there are many more glory days at Old Trafford very soon - not only because I want the club to do well, but because you all deserve it! All the best and take care, Ruud.”

Nistelrooy had returned to Manchester United earlier this summer as one of Ten Hag's assistants. He then took over on an interim basis after the latter's sacking and beat Leicester City (twice) and PAOK, and drew with Chelsea.

He then departed the club following Amorim's arrival as the Portuguese tactician joined along with his support staff.

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha urged Ruben Amorim to keep Ruud van Nistelrooy at the club

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha had urged Ruben Amorim to keep Ruud van Nistelrooy at the club in some capacity. Saha made the comments before the Dutchman's departure was announced.

He claimed having Nistelrooy around would have helped the new coaching staff get the best out of the players. Saha told BoyleSport (via Manchester Evening News):

"Letting Ruud van Nistelrooy leave the club would be Ruben Amorim's first mistake. Amorim would miss out on having that understanding of the club to hand as well as the information regarding what has changed in the last four games. That information is crucial to taking the club forward with the players now feeling comfortable again.

"It would be a big shame for Van Nistelrooy to leave and I do understand that the new manager is going to want to bring his own staff in, but having him there will help to get the best out of the players."

Amorim's first match in charge of the Red Devils will be against Ipswich Town on Sunday, November 24, in the Premier League.