Ruud van Nistelrooy has taken to social media to reiterate his gratitude for his spell in charge of Leicester City, and he has received a Manchester United response as a result.
The Dutchman departed the King Power Stadium by mutual consent on Friday, seven months after he had taken the job. His exit leaves the Foxes searching for a new manager right before the players are due to return for pre-season on Monday.
Van Nistelrooy had replaced Steve Cooper at the helm last November. But he was unable to prevent City from suffering relegation and dropping back into the Championship.
When the club confirmed his departure, an official statement included quotes from Van Nistelrooy. And the 48-year-old has since posted the same message on Instagram, receiving a response from several people connected to his former club United.
His post said: "I would like to personally thank the @lcfc players, coaches, academy and all the staff I have worked with for their professionalism and dedication during my time at the club and to thank the fans for their support, and take this opportunity to wish the club well for the future.”
Van Nistelrooy's post quickly racked up thousands of ‘likes’ and dozens of replies. Among those to ‘like’ his post were one of his former teammates at Old Trafford, Rio Ferdinand, and current United centre-back Lisandro Martinez.
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Prior to joining the Foxes, former United striker Van Nistelrooy had a four-game stint in charge of his old club. He had initially been Erik ten Hag’s assistant, then was appointed interim manager when his fellow countryman was axed last October. He left shortly after Ruben Amorim’s appointment and went on to take up the Foxes hot seat.
A statement from City announcing his departure on Friday said: “Ruud has overseen a challenging period for the club. From his appointment in November 2024, he approached the role with professionalism, integrity and a clear commitment to our aims, including through the integration of several promising players from the Club’s Academy into our First Team environment. Ruud moves on with the respect and thanks of everyone at the Football Club for his dedication and hard work, and with our very best wishes for the future.”
The statement added: “Preparation for the EFL Championship season will continue with the planned start of pre-season on Monday 30 June. First Team coaching staff will oversee the delivery of those plans until a new manager is appointed.”
A number of potential candidates have emerged to replace Van Nistelrooy. Former Everton boss Sean Dyche and current Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl are among those linked with the job.
Who should replace Van Nistelrooy as manager? Click HERE to have your say