Ruud van Nistelrooy 'facing Man Utd sack' because of Ruben Amorim despite new role

Ruud van Nistelrooy will receive a rapturous ovation at Old Trafford tonight when Manchester United host Leicester City in the Carabao Cup fourth round. The Dutch icon only returned to the club a few months ago as part of Erik ten Hag's coaching staff. Now, he is interim manager after the latter's sacking on Monday.

But Van Nistelrooy could be axed as early as next week ahead of Ruben Amorim's appointment as Ten Hag's permanent successor.

He will savour the opportunity to grace the Old Trafford dugout, as he has done throughout the start of the season, for perhaps the final time against Leicester.

According to , Van Nistelrooy expects to make a swift exit from United once Amorim takes charge.

The 39-year-old is reportedly set to bring his own coaches from Sporting, leaving limited room for Ten Hag's backroom staff.

Mais Futebol Amorim's assistants Daniel Fernandes and Adelio Candido and goalkeeper coach Jorge Vital will follow him through the door at Old Trafford.

The trio worked closely with the Portuguese tactician at Braga - his second managerial role after Casa Pia - before moving to Sporting together in 2020.

During his four-year reign in Lisbon, Amorim has lifted two Portuguese titles and won the Taca da Liga on two occasions.

Sporting are currently on track to retain the league title for the first time in 70 years, having won all nine of their opening matches, scoring 30 goals and conceding just twice.

The Lions have, too, made a strong start in the Champions League with 2-0 victories against Lille and Sturm Graz and a 1-1 draw at PSV Eindhoven.

Amorim guided the club to his latest Taca da Liga semi-final last night, beating Nacional 3-1 in a potential farewell match at the Jose Alvalade Stadium.

As well as Van Nistelrooy, Amorim's switch to United would spell danger for fellow Dutchmen Jelle ten Rouwelaar, goalkeeper coach, and Rene Hake, Ten Hag's right-hand man.

All three coaches joined the Red Devils in the summer as part of Ten Hag's attempts to freshen up ideas at Carrington.

Long-time assistant Mitchell van der Gaag, attacking coach Benni McCarthy and goalkeeper coach Richard Hartis were among those to depart.

But INEOS are set to oversee a second reshuffle in quick succession once Amorim gets the green light to seal his move.

Van Nistelrooy could also take interim charge against Chelsea in Sunday's Premier League match, with Amorim reportedly taking Sporting training as usual this morning.