Ruud: We have to be really together

Manchester United interim head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy has said he expects a tough challenge when Chelsea visit Old Trafford on Sunday.

The former Reds striker will take charge of his first-ever Premier League game in the 16:30 GMT kick-off against Enzo Maresca’s side, following the departure of former boss Erik ten Hag.

Speaking to club media earlier this week, Van Nistelrooy discussed the mix of emotions behind that handover, having to jump straight in for the 5-2 win against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup, before looking ahead to the upcoming visit of the Blues.

You can read, and watch, everything he had to say below…

Ruud’s Q&A ahead of Chelsea Video

Ruud’s Q&A ahead of Chelsea

Van Nistelrooy’s Q&A | Our interim head coach talks Ten Hag, a promising start and a tougher test against the Blues…

Ruud, now you’ve had a chance for it all to sink in, how do you reflect on the experience of managing Manchester United in the Carabao Cup against Leicester?
“Yeah, if I speak about the game, the reception, the connection with the crowd, and how the players reacted and how the players played, it was a great night. I enjoyed every second of it. Special, proud moment. Obviously the days before leading up to that were with mixed feelings. It was hard to see the manager go: the one who got me into the club, you know, the one who was fighting also for this club and cared a lot about the club. So that was hard. But I have to say that, after that, the crowd lifted our spirits and it was a great night in the end.”

Yeah, it was difficult for many of us who worked with Erik. He’s a fantastic human being. We all wish him all the very best. But how pleased were you with the reaction that the team brought onto the pitch, in what could have been a tricky tie?
“Yeah, it could have been, and it was a good opponent, a well-managed team in Leicester, but I think the players reacted very well. They took a lot of responsibility, also looking at themselves and [said] we need to improve and we need to do better. It’s not only the manager’s fault, it’s so they acknowledge that, and that’s obviously a big step in improving, and they enjoyed themselves on the pitch. Of course, I think Casemiro with the first goal, he changed the game. It was level, but it was a world-class finish and that lifted the spirit of the team and the crowd and got us going.”

I think you joked about messaging Ole, didn’t you, last night? But seriously, have you been in touch with any other team-mates, or has anybody reached out to you that you played with while here?
“Yes, I spoke shortly with Sir Alex. He wished me luck before the game. You know, Ole sent me a text to wish me luck, as [did] many former players that reached out and just sent me a text, [wishing] all the best. It was great to receive all these messages.”

Next up, it’s arguably a much tougher test against Chelsea, who are in decent form. So your thoughts ahead of the game?
“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.”

You scored three goals against them while a player here. What are your memories of playing against Chelsea?
“Always tough games, you know, going to Stamford Bridge but also playing at home. It was also in the times where [Jose] Mourinho was the [Chelsea] manager and it was very tough teams to play against. Very well organised, strong teams. Physical. Strong. Obviously in the time with [Frank] Lampard and [Didier] Drogba. Players that can decide games. It was always great games to play against them.”

Part one: Press conference v Chelsea Video

Part one: Press conference v Chelsea

Press conference part one | Interim head coach Ruud answers questions on our future and a big game against Chelsea…

It was fantastic to see that attacking intent against Leicester, something you demanded from the team ahead of the game. Is it going to be the same approach on Sunday?
“Of course, when we have the possibilities to play and to attack, we always will try to do so. I think that’s what it’s like, you know, to play for this club and gets the crowd lifted. And that’s what the fans want to see. And, obviously, the intent is always there to do so. But, of course, you have to be the dominant side in the game and it’s definitely our intention. But if it’s not the case, then we have to find other ways to win the game, and there are other ways to do so and see how can get there on Sunday.”

And how’s the squad looking for the game? Any changes to the personnel from Wednesday night?
“Not many changes. We’re still hoping and working hard to get Christian Eriksen part of the squad. He’s working hard to make it in the last moment. And other than that, there’s no news on players that will be available, any other than yesterday.”

And finally, you wrote about the power of Old Trafford in your programme notes ahead of the game against Leicester. What is your message to the fans coming to Sunday’s huge game against Chelsea?
“Yeah, you know, I think in general the way we are supported and the way the fans are, and helping us, you know, in difficult times, and they stay behind the team and encourage the team, which is special. It doesn’t happen in any other club, so we’re very happy with the fans and we need them and we want to give the fans that back: the joy of winning games, and that’s our motivation. So hopefully the interaction is there again, because it will lift the team.”

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