Ruud van Nistelrooy Reflects on Manchester United’s Strong Performance: “We Had the Best Chances”

Ruud van Nistelrooy, acting manager for Manchester United, commended his team’s determination at Old Trafford, where they battled to a 1-1 draw with Chelsea during the tenth round of the Premier League on Sunday. Despite an early lead, United was unable to secure a win in van Nistelrooy’s second match in charge.

Players’ Commitment

“I’m a bit disappointed we couldn’t get the win. We had the clearest opportunities in the match — Garnacho had three solid chances, Rashford hit the post, and Bruno came close at the end. Overall, I was pleased with the players’ efforts. They put everything into it but had to accept the draw.”

The Penalty Moment

Reflecting on a standout moment, van Nistelrooy shared, “The roar of the Old Trafford crowd during the penalty was something special. I relished every moment, and as long as I’m here, I’ll enjoy helping the club. When the time comes, I’ll support the new manager to help the club grow.”

A Quality Display

Van Nistelrooy praised the team’s display, noting, “We competed well and had the best chances, though the result wasn’t what we wanted. This is the approach we need. Lisandro Martínez, Matthijs de Ligt, and Casemiro were fantastic, and Mazraoui had a standout game. Bruno played a key role in every attack. No one faltered today.”

Team Unity and Spirit

“The players are taking accountability. They know the changes they need, and I’m here to help them stay focused on their roles. It’s a strong group, and their unity was evident today. They gave everything on the field, and you could see the bond they have with the fans. That’s exactly what we want to see.”

Pursuing Consistent Results

“We made the most of our chances against Leicester, and sometimes a bit of luck helps. But we also need to be clinical with our opportunities, while keeping our defense solid. If we keep this spirit and strength, wins will come.”

Looking Ahead

“We’re committed to supporting the new coach, but for now, our focus is on the next games, especially against PAOK and Leicester City. These are crucial, and we need to bring the same intensity we showed today and midweek. Afterward, we’ll continue to work hard to see Manchester United improve with each day.”