Van Nistelrooy leaves Man Utd as Amorim arrival looms

Ruud van Nistelrooy's spell with Manchester United has come to an end, his departure announced on the day Ruben Amorim arrived in Manchester as United's latest permanent boss.

Van Nistelrooy, the former striker had steered United to three wins and a draw in all competitions as interim manager following the sacking of Erik ten Hag, and expressed several times that he hoped to remain with the club after Amorim's arrival.

"Ruud is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend," a club statement read.

"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."

United assistants Rene Hake, Jelle ten Rouwelaar and Pieter Morel also left with the club saying they would announce Amorim's staff at a later date.

The 39-year-old Amorim landed in Manchester on Monday and was greeted with a hug from chief executive Omar Berrada when he arrived at United's Carrington training complex to start a job he admits will be "difficult".

The Portuguese was set to meet key staff until his visa is obtained and he can step onto the pitch as a coach.

Amorim's first match will be a trip to Ipswich after the international break on November 24, meaning there will be precious little time to implement his ideas and expected 3-4-3 formation.

United midfielder Casemiro has been impressed by Amorim's transformative effect in Portugal and said everyone is hungry to learn from the new boss.

"We have not spoken but everyone speaks so well of him," said the 39-year-old Brazilian, who has signed a deal until 2027.

"Above all he is very true, very loyal. We cannot ignore how he has changed Sporting. We know that Sporting won many titles, changed the club with titles, with trophies.

"He has already proved that he is a coach that has won a lot."

Meanwhile, Sporting have appointed Joao Pereira as head coach on a deal through to 2027 replacing Amorim.

Former Portugal defender Pereira had three spells at the Lisbon club as a player, making 154 appearances with his last season under Amorim in 2020-2021 when they won the title.

The 40-year-old, who led Sporting's U23 and B teams, takes over a club in impressive form with 16 wins and a draw this season.

"As a player, Sporting gave me a lot, allowing me to play for the national team, join one of the best leagues in the world and return home twice," Pereira, who also played in Spain, Germany and Turkey, said.

With PA.