New Leicester manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has expressed his pain at leaving Manchester United but vowed to stamp his authority on the Foxes.
The former Red Devils striker replaced Steve Cooper at the King Power Stadium on Friday. Signing a contract until 2027.
This follows a four-game spell as interim manager at Old Trafford, following the sacking of Erik ten Hag before he left Ruben Amorim was appointed last month.
Van Nistelrooy, was hired by Ten Hag as assistant manager in Julyoversaw three wins and one draw during his four games at United and was initially upset by his departure.
“When I took the interim job I said I was here to help United and I would stay to help United and I meant that. So I was very disappointed and it hurt that I had to leave,” he said.
“In the end I understood it because I also understand the new coach. I've been in football long enough and I've managed to find my way. I understand.”
“I spoke to Ruben about it, fair to him, the conversation was grateful, man to man, person to person, manager to manager. That helped.” [me] There is a lot to do and new opportunities to immediately start talking, which of course lifted my spirits.”
Van Nistelrooy succeeds a squad that has struggled to bond with Cooper and has come under fire after last week's Christmas party trip to Copenhagen The players said their behavior was unacceptable.
He says he vetted their characters before taking on the role and believes players must respect his authority.
“That’s the only way you can work,” said the Dutchman. “It's mutual respect. I also told the players yesterday that I had looked at the squad and started making phone calls about players because in football everyone knows everyone.”
“In two or three phone calls you hear stories about 20 players and for me it was important that you hear that there are good characters there. That’s important, that there are good people there.”
“I look at the players and how they play. I don’t know them, of course, but I have general information…that they’re a good bunch.”
