"He will get better and better" - Ruud van Nistelrooy urges Manchester United fans to remain patient with star player

Manchester United interim head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy has backed striker Joshua Zirkzee to eventually come good at Old Trafford. Zirkzee joined the club this summer but hasn't been able to hit the ground running yet.

The Netherlands international joined United from Bologna in a €42.5 million move and scored on his Premier League debut. However, he has since failed to get on the scoresheet in 13 games.

His compatriot and the club's current interim manager, Van Nistelrooy has faith in Zirkzee to eventually come good. He believes that at 23 years of age, the attacker still has time on his side.

Ruud van Nistelrooy said (via Fabrizio Romano):

"Joshua Zirkzee will be a great player for Man United. He has a lot of talent, good age. Lots of potential to develop, one that we have to look after and give him time. He will get better and better and will be a very good player for this."

Portuguese tactician Ruben Amorim will replace Van Nistelrooy as the permanent Manchester United manager on November 11.

Manchester United interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy on upcoming Chelsea challenge

Ruud van Nistelrooy's time as the interim boss at Manchester United started with a resounding 5-2 Carabao Cup win over Leicester City this week. However, he has a blockbuster clash against high-flying Chelsea coming up next.

The two English giants face off in the league on Sunday, November 3, at Old Trafford. Ahead of the game, the former striker had his say on the huge task ahead of him, telling Manchester United's official website:

"Yeah, it's going to be a big match, a tough one. Chelsea playing really well at the moment. Lots of attacking power players who can decide the game, scoring lots of goals, playing very well on the ball. So, we're going to have to be at our very best, you know, to get a result, to get a good game. It's obviously what we want.

"We want to try and win it. But we also respect the opponent, know their qualities, and [what] we have to do. Yeah, we have to really be together and strong, you know, to stop them. And from there, see what we can do, you know, to win the game."

While the Blues are currently sixth in the league table with 17 points after nine games, the Red Devils are in the bottom half of the table. The Manchester-based outfit are 13th at the moment with 11 points after nine games.

Manchester United's dismal start to the season also led to Erik ten Hag's sacking. The Dutchman spent a little over two years at Old Trafford but couldn't leave an imprint on the squad despite winning two trophies.