Manchester United's interim head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy says it is "a great honour to manage the club I love" as he prepares for Wednesday's EFL Cup last-16 tie against Leicester City.
The Dutchman, who scored 150 goals in all competitions for Man Utd as a player, has been put in temporary charge following the departure of his countryman Erik ten Hag on Monday, and he has spoken for the first time.
In his programme notes for Wednesday's match, Van Nistelrooy says: “As I am sure everyone can imagine, I am writing these notes with a huge amount of mixed emotions.
"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.
“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.
“Despite our results, I am loving being back at Old Trafford and working with the team and staff every day. We’ve seen the squad’s potential at times this season, but clearly not often enough.
“Now is the time for everyone at the club to work together, give everything and turn this season around while we have time. From my experiences as both a player and a coach here, I can say for sure that when players, staff and supporters pull together, Manchester United can be unstoppable.
“Thankfully, we have time on our side and with fixtures coming so regularly now, we also have plenty of opportunities to build up some positive momentum, starting with tonight’s visit of Steve Cooper and Leicester City in the Carabao Cup.
“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.
“The first step is to restore the winning habit, starting at Old Trafford this evening. I know first-hand the positive effect that our wonderful fans can have on the team, so please get behind the players as we fight together to move a step closer to Wembley.”
Van Nistelrooy could take charge of his first Premier League match on Sunday when Man Utd host Chelsea.
However, Portuguese club Sporting have announced that Man Utd have made an approach to recruit their head coach Ruben Amorim.
