Ruud van Nistelrooy believes his former teammates’ criticism of Manchester United is so intense because it helps the club.
Van Nistelrooy has been tasked with running major United into the next world division until unused manager Ruben Amorim takes over.
The Dutchman’s quick job is to try and beat Chelsea at Used Trafford and lift United out of 14th place in the Premier League.
Gary Neville and Roy Keane usually scout the sport for Sky Sports.
The pair have been cutting their United review of late, a year in which Paul Scholes, Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand also spoke openly about their review.
Van Nistelrooy shared a dressing room with all of them. He understands where they come from.
“Basically, they care about the club, they want it to do well and they are disappointed if it doesn’t,” he said.
“I have no problem with that. We all do our jobs and they have opinions. It’s absolutely fine.”
“In my opinion, I don’t. I’m still involved with some of them. When I see them, I have a cup of coffee with them.”
Van Nistelrooy turned down the chance to take a managerial role at Burnley to return to Old Trafford as Erik ten Hag’s assistant in the summer.
The season has not turned out as Van Nistelrooy expected.
Although the 48-year-old has stressed that he has signed a two-year deal, it is difficult to see where he fits into Amorim’s squad and he will most likely move on.
For now, Van Nistelrooy wants to help restore United’s fortunes.
Accept that it will not be a quick process.
“It doesn’t look like we’re going to show it from today until the next day,” he said. “However, I think we can do it. I imagine that will be for a longer year.”
