Manchester United star Casemiro makes feelings clear as club announce departure of Ruud van Nistelrooy

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has paid tribute to Ruud van Nistelrooy after the club announced his departure. The Dutchman has left his role as interim manager following Ruben Amorim's arrival as the new head coach on Monday, November 11.

The legendary striker joined Erik ten Hag's team in the summer as an assistant manager. The Red Devils parted ways with ten Hag at the end of October following a poor run of results.

As the Premier League giants initiated their search for his successor, van Nistelrooy was appointed their interim manager. He started his tenure with a 5-2 win over Leicester City in the EFL Cup Fourth Round.

Manchester United faced Chelsea at home in van Nistelrooy's second game in charge. Despite taking the lead, the Red Devils failed to hold on as the game ended 1-1.

Van Nistelrooy then secured a 2-0 win over PAOK in the Europa League last week. It was the English side's first win in Europe in over a year. The Dutchman's final game as interim manager was this weekend's 3-0 win over Leicester City.

With Ruben Amorim bringing his backroom staff from Sporting CP, speculation was ripe regarding van Nistelrooy's future. Manchester United have now announced that the former striker will leave the club.

Casemiro was one of the first to express his gratitude to van Nistelrooy via social media. He shared a picture of him hugging the Dutchman and wrote on Instagram:

“Forever grateful. Legend.”

Casemiro was integral to van Nistelrooy's first team, starting all four games and scoring two goals.

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How has Casemiro performed for Manchester United this season?

Casemiro has picked up form of late

Casemiro endured a difficult start to the current campaign under Erik ten Hag. The Brazilian was not in his element last season and was not in Manchester United's squad for the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

Casemiro's future was subject to speculation following Manuel Ugarte's arrival at Old Trafford in the summer. Although the Brazilian ended up staying, his struggles showed no signs of ending.

The lowest point of his season was against Liverpool, where he had a poor first half and was replaced by Toby Collyer. The Red Devils lost the game 3-0.

Kobbie Mainoo's unfortunate injury perhaps helped the 32-year-old get back into the team. Casemiro forged an impressive partnership with Manuel Ugarte in the middle of the park under Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Casemiro has scored three goals from 16 games across competitions for Manchester United this season.