Ruben Amorim warned about Man Utd fan fury as first major decision set – EXCLUSIVE

Ruben Amorim will inherit a daunting pile of tasks when he opens his Manchester United in-tray on Monday, his first day as the club’s new head coach. The departing Sporting boss’ first important decision could lead to the exit of a fan favourite, United’s current interim manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Erik ten Hag brought Van Nistelrooy back to Old Trafford as part of his revamped coaching staff in the summer.

The return of the legendary United striker, who scored 150 goals in 219 appearances for the club, was a welcome surprise for supporters, considering he was a managerial target elsewhere.

However, Ten Hag’s sacking at the end of October wasn’t in the script after he signed a one-year contract extension ahead of the season.

And while Van Nistelrooy took charge of his third match as interim boss last night, his future beyond Sunday’s Premier League clash against Leicester City is up in the air.

Amorim is expected to bring at least three members of his Sporting backroom staff to Old Trafford, but the total could be as high as five.

Serious doubts are looming over whether there would be space for Van Nistelrooy, fellow assistant Rene Hake or any of Ten Hag’s other close staff in that case.

United legend Gary Pallister has reminded Amorim of Van Nistelrooy’s relationship with the fans while weighing up whether he will want to work with him in Manchester.

The four-time Premier League winner believes retaining the Dutchman’s services would be beneficial as he enters the unforgiving world of the Premier League.

“I don’t have a crystal ball. Listen, he probably would be a help. He’s been at Manchester United and knows what the pressure is like,” Pallister told Express Sport with luckyblock.com.

“I’m sure he can be a help to Amorim. [But] when he comes in, he’s bringing his own staff. It’ll be all down to him.

“[It will depend on] whether he feels as though it needs to be a clean break from everything that was to do with Erik [Ten Hag]’s backroom staff, or whether he feels as though Ruud can have an input.

“I don’t know whether he knows him [or] whether they’ve come across each other over their coaching or managerial careers, but if you ask me if Ruud could do something for the club, I would say yes.

“I think he’s a very clever lad. He has obviously got a passion for United; he has obviously played there. He understands the crowd, the crowd like Ruud van Nistelrooy.

“So I don’t think it would be a bad move if you did keep him. But as I say, it’s all down to him [Amorim] and how he wants to operate.”