Ferdinand BAFFLED by Amorim's first Man Utd decision

Tom Weber

• Updated: 12 Nov 2024 08:19 CST
• 3 min read

Rio Ferdinand disagrees with Ruben Amorim's decision to axe Ruud van Nistelrooy.

The Portuguese tactician had his first day as new Manchester United head coach on Monday and immediately made a massive call. After a talk with interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, Amorim informed the Dutchman that he would not be retained as part of his staff.

Van Nistelrooy had only arrived in the summer as Erik ten Hag's assistant and took charge of the side following his compatriot's sacking, winning three out of four games.

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However, part of the compensation Man Utd had paid for Amorim went towards his Sporting CP staff and, with the 39-year-old having travelled to England with five of his colleagues, there was little room for the club legend.

Thus, Man Utd already announced on Monday that Van Nistelrooy and three other ex-Ten Hag staff members had left Carrington.

Ferdinand baffled by Van Nistelrooy call

Axing the incredibly popular former striker was a decision that caused consternation in some quarters and fellow club legend Rio Ferdinand has questioned Amorim's first big call as Man Utd boss.

"[Van Nistelrooy's] audition couldn’t have gone any better and I think, knowing him, there was a steely determination underneath that said 'I’m going to put myself in the best position, either to stay at the club in some capacity or someone else is going to say we need you as a manager,'" he said on Rio Ferdinand Presents.

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"The players had grown to really like him, they appreciated how he informed them of different bits and pieces – tactically, individually, as a team – and there was a genuine 'we want to do well for this guy.'

"We’ve been sitting here waiting for a manager to connect with the players. We have one right now. Why are you going to get rid of him?"