Rio Ferdinand has explained his theory as to why Ruben Amorim decided to axe Ruud van Nistelrooy after his arrival at Manchester United.
Amorim, who officially started work as United boss on Monday, touched down from Portugal with his coaching staff around 2pm and was whisked straight to United’s training base at Carrington where he was greeted by senior executives.
A short while later, the club confirmed that former United striker Van Nistelrooy, who returned to Old Trafford in the summer as Erik ten Hag’s assistant, was leaving.
The Dutchman had been keen to stay after overseeing an unbeaten four-game spell as caretaker boss since Ten Hag was sacked, previously insisting he would see out at his two-year contract.
But Amorim decided to go down a different path, with the 39-year-old set to be joined by five members of staff who were with him at Sporting Lisbon - assistants Carlos Fernandes, Adelio Candido and Emanuel Ferro as well as goalkeeper coach Jorge Vital and sports scientist Paulo Barreira.
And Ferdinand opened up on the departure of Van Nistelrooy, claiming that his history at Old Trafford played a key part in Amorim's decision.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, he said: 'I think (for) the manager (Amorim) it's not an easy transition to go in and have, sitting next to you on the sideline at Old Trafford, one of the most prolific strikers (in the club's history).
'The fans love him. They loved him before (his interim spell), they love him even more now.
'And any turns of results or bumps in the road, they'll say to get Ruud in as a manager.'
In announcing the Dutchman's departure, United had said in a statement: 'Manchester United can confirm that Ruud van Nistelrooy has left the club.
‘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, Ten Hag’s other No.2, goalkeeper coach Jelle ten Rouwelaar and performance analyst Pieter Morel have also been axed to make way for Amorim’s team.
Speaking last month after his first game in caretaker charge, Van Nistelrooy had outlined his plans to remain at the club following Amorim's arrival.
‘It’s going to be short job as an interim – that was communicated very clearly, and I was happy with that,’ he said.
‘I decided to come back here for a very important reason: that I am here as an assistant, I came here to help the club forward and I am still very motivated to do so in any capacity, as an assistant and now an interim.
'After this I go back to my assistant contract I have here for this season and next. I am very motivated to stay here and help the club forward.
‘We will see but it is the contract situation I am in, and my desire to help the club forward. I can speak to you about my side of the story and after the when the new manager is signing and conversations take place, we have to see how things develop.
‘I want to help, I want to do everything I can in my abilities. The club is in a difficult situation and it is not where we all want it to be. Everyone is looking at Manchester United, but it is us as people on the ground to do the utmost, supported by fans and it is a process.’
After taking charge of his last game as Sporting boss in Sunday’s dramatic 4-2 win over Braga, Amorim and his five staff boarded the three-hour flight from Beja to Manchester at around 11am.
The majority of his United squad are away on international duty over the next week, but Amorim's first game in charge will be an away trip to Ipswich on Sunday, November 24.
