Ruud van Nistelrooy begins his tenure as Manchester United's interim manager with a midweek Carabao Cup game, one of a number of home ties on the horizon for the Dutchman

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Man Utd SACK Erik ten Hag after dismal start to Premier League season | Reaction to Red Devils news

Ruud van Nistelrooy has been confirmed as Manchester United's interim manager after the sacking of Erik ten Hag, and he has an inviting start to his time in charge.

Ten Hag's dismissal came with United languishing in 14th place in the Premier League table. Only two teams have scored fewer goals than United, who scored just their eighth in nine matches as they lost to West Ham on Sunday.

Goals have been a little easier to come by in the cups, at least. United found the net in all three of their Europa League games under Ten Hag, but weren't able to shut out the opposition as they drew with Twente, Porto and Fenerbahce., while a 7-0 Carabao Cup victory over Barnsley was the biggest win of the then-manager's tenure.

First up for Van Nistelrooy is a Carabao Cup fourth round meeting with Leicester City. The Foxes needed penalties to see off fourth-tier Walsall in the previous round, and are one of just six teams with fewer points than United in the league.

Chelsea are the next visitors to Old Trafford in the league itself, with that game kicking off at 4.30pm on Sunday. PAOK visit United in the Europa League four days after that, followed by another home meeting with Leicester - this time in the league rather than the cup.

How many wins will Manchester United record in their seven-game run? Give your predictions in the comments section

Ruud van Nistelrooy has taken over as Manchester United's interim manager ( Image:

A number of alternative candidates have been suggested if Van Nistelrooy doesn't do enough to earn the job on a permanent basis. However, one of those - Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim - would not be drawn on his future.

"I was already expecting this question and obviously I'm not going to talk about the future, because otherwise I'll always have to comment," Amorim told reporters when asked about potentially succeeding Ten Hag. "I'm very proud to be Sporting coach, that's all."

Bruno Fernandes, another man with Sporting connections, is among a number of United players to share messages on social media after Ten Hag's dismissal. "Thanks for everything boss!" he wrote alongside of a photo of the pair celebrating cup glory together.

"I appreciate the trust and the moments we share together, I wish you all the best in the future. Even knowing the last period hasn't been great from all of us I hope you fans can keep with you the good things the manager has done for our club!"