'I am saddened' - Van Nistelrooy takes the reins at Manchester United

Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has been appointed as the club's interim manager following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag.

Van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team for their League Cup match against Leicester City with his immediate task will be to stabilise the team and improve their performance in the Premier League.

The Dutch legend expressed his disappointment at Ten Hag's departure but vowed to do his best during his time in charge.

"Erik ten Hag brought me back to Manchester United in the summer and, while I have only been part of the coaching staff here for a few months, I will always be grateful to him for giving me the opportunity, and I am saddened to see him leave," Van Nistelrooy said.

He expressed confidence that Manchester United will return to winning ways, but emphasised that it will require more time and hard work.

"When I returned in the summer as Erik's assistant, it was because I believe that Manchester United can climb back to the levels that I knew here as a player.

"I still have that belief, but it will take time and a lot of hard work. Even on an interim basis, it is a great honour to manage the club I love for however long I am asked to do so.

"I can promise that I will continue to give my all, in whatever capacity, to try to turn around our fortunes," he said on the team's website.

While Van Nistelrooy was initially considered a potential candidate for the permanent role, it appears that Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim has emerged as the leading contender.

Manchester United are reportedly prepared to trigger Amorim's €10 million release clause.