Ruben Amorim says Ruud van Nistelrooy is responsible for Manchester United star’s superb form

Ruben Amorim may have opted against keeping Ruud van Nistelrooy on as part of his backroom staff when he replaced Erik ten Hag last month but the new Manchester United boss has still recognised the former striker’s coaching abilities.

Although Van Nistelrooy was only in charge of the Red Devils for four matches, after remaining unbeaten, including three wins and one draw, the 48-year-old saw his stock rise and, consequently, was Leicester City’s first choice to replace Steve Cooper.

Recently unveiled as the Foxes’ new manager, Van Nistelrooy’s first game in charge will be a Premier League clash at the King Power against West Ham on December 3.

The former PSV Eindhoven boss will be hoping the impact he has at Leicester is as good as the one Amorim has had at Manchester United.

Amorim has enjoyed a great start to life in the Old Trafford hot seat. Despite being in, arguably, football’s most high-pressurised job, the 39-year-old has impressed.

Unbeaten in his first three matches, Amorim’s most recent win saw his United side dismantle Everton 4-0 and improve to 19 points in the table — just four behind Brighton in fourth.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
4	BrightonBrighton	13	6	5	2	22	17	5	23
5	Man CityManchester City	13	7	2	4	22	19	3	23
6	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	13	6	4	3	16	13	3	22
7	TottenhamTottenham	13	6	2	5	28	14	14	20
8	BrentfordBrentford	13	6	2	5	26	23	3	20
9	Man UtdManchester United	13	5	4	4	17	13	4	19
10	FulhamFulham	13	5	4	4	18	18	0	19
11	NewcastleNewcastle	13	5	4	4	14	14	0	19
12	Aston VillaAston Villa	13	5	4	4	19	22	-3	19
13	B’mouthBournemouth	13	5	3	5	20	19	1	18

It isn’t just results that Amorim is taking the credit for though. The Portuguese manager is proving why he is considered one of the best young and upcoming tacticians in European football.

Wasting no time setting United’s first team up in an unfamiliar 3-4-3 formation, his tactical expertise, including Amorim’s unique pre-match warm-ups, has helped revitalise some of their most underperforming players, including Ivorian wide player, Amad.

Despite signing for United four years ago, the 22-year-old has struggled for chances. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may have been the manager to sign him, but it appears Amorim will be the one to allow him to fulfil his potential, and, according to the new United boss, it’s all thanks to Van.

Ruben Amorim credits Ruud Van Nistelrooy for Amad form

Arguably the Red Devils’ most in-form player at the moment, Amad has already directly contributed to three goals in his last three matches, including a brace of assists against Sean Dyche’s Toffees last time out.

And although Amorim’s decision to play the wide-forward at right wing-back has so far proven to be a good one, the Lisboa-born mastermind feels he owes a lot to Van Nistelrooy for the faith shown in his number 16 prior to his appointment.

“He is really big in talent, but small in size,” Amorim told the BBC’s Match of the Day. “He did a great job but he also has to improve. He is a great moment. Ruud van Nistelrooy helped him a lot in his games in charge and now he’s helping me.”

Amad benefitting most from Erik Ten Hag sacking

During his time under Ten Hag, Amad’s minutes were few and far between. The 22-year-old made just nine league appearances last season, totalling 388 minutes.

Clearly preferring to play Antony, regardless of the Brazilian’s form, Ten Hag’s loyalty to one of his former players ultimately led to his dismissal.

And although Antony will have his chances to impress under Amorim too, it is the Ivorian who is benefiting from Ten Hag’s departure the most. Amad has been outstanding for United.

Not only is the African enjoying a new role in defence where he has already made more tackles and won more duels compared to his time under Ten Hag, but his improved performances are prompting significant fan appreciation — a possible deciding factor should the former Atalanta starlet being offered a new contract.