United's ship steadied, now Amorim hits deeper waters

It may be the way all Manchester United managers imagine their reign ending.

- RICHARD JOLLY

With Old Trafford chorusing their name, with a beloved figure standing in the centre circle, applauding all four stands in turn before going to the Stretford End to soak up their adulation.

Now and again, it actually happens. But only, of late, when they are caretaker managers, celebrated for their playing days, their brief tenures a chance to wallow in the past. Ruud van Nistelrooy filled the gap between Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim with fine results. Yet reality tends to descend for the permanent managers.

It was confirmed yesterday that the former striker, along with three more of Ten Hag’s Dutch coaches, had left the club as it became clear there was no room for him on Amorim’s backroom staff. In a statement, the club said: “Ruud is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend. We are grateful for his contribution and the way in which he has approached his role throughout his time with the club. He will always be very welcome at Old Trafford.

“Rene Hake, Jelle ten Rouwelaar and Pieter Morel have also departed and we wish them all well for the future.”

Even though Van Nistelrooy has brought a restorative feel – to Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro as well as the results and the atmosphere – Amorim takes over a club 13th in the Premier League and 15th in the Europa League.

“What hasn’t changed is that this club has to get back to where it belongs,” said Fernandes. And United have rarely been further away in the modern era. Arguably, no manager has taken over United at a lower ebb since Sir Alex Ferguson in 1986.