Successful interim vs permanent flop as United's present and recent past collide in FA Cup
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 07.02.25. | 17:27
Ruud Van Nistelrooy returns to Old Trafford on Friday night (11 pm) to face his successor in the Red Devils' dugout, Ruben Amorim
Ruud van Nistelrooy recorded three wins and a draw in his four games in charge of Manchester United as a caretake manager after the sacking of his compatriot Erik ten Hag in October last year.
Interestingly, two of those three victories were against his current club, Leicester City, which probably recommended him to the Foxes. He finished his Old Trafford tenure upon the arrival of Ruben Amorim, the new permanent coach.
🚨🗣 - Ruben Amorim on why he didn't retain Ruud van Nistelrooy:
— UF (@UtdFaithfuls) February 6, 2025
"To show respect to Ruud, I would not put a guy like him, a legend of this club, at the end of my coaching staff hierarchy." pic.twitter.com/5frduJCpj6
Unlike Van Nistelrooy, the Portuguese tactician's spell with the Premier League giants has been anything but successful so far. Therefore, their tonight's encounter in the FA Cup fourth round tie (11 pm) is a must-win for Amorim in order to keep his managerial boat in the safe waters.
Along with the other issues, the injury of keeper Altay Bayindir, who is set to miss the clash, concerns him. He was the hero of Manchester United's heroic win against Arsenal in the previous round, making two penalty saves. Bayindir denied Martin Odegaard in normal time before saving Kai Havertz's spot-kick in the shootout.
Amorim used Bayindir in the Europa League wins over Rangers and FCSB.
It means Andre Onana is likely to retain his spot in goal, despite some harsh criticism towards him for his role in a recent defeat to Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
FA CUP - ROUND 4
Friday
23.00: (1.40) Man.Utd. (5.30) Leicester (8.00)
Saturday
15.15: (1.43) Leeds (4.40) Millwall (8.00)
15.15: (18.0) Leyton (11.0) Man.City (1.10)
18.00: (3.00) Coventry (3.40) Ipswich (2.35)
18.00: (2.85) Everton (3.40) Bournemouth (2.45)
18.00: (2.20) Preston (3.40) Wycombe (3.30)
18.00: (1.85) Southampton (3.50) Burnley (4.40)
18.00: (2.20) Stoke (3.40) Cardiff (3.30)
18.00: (11.0) Wigan (6.00) Fulham (1.25)
20.45: (6.50) Birmingham (4.40) Newcastle (1.50)
23.00: (3.00) Brighton (3.50) Chelsea (2.30)
Sunday
15.30: (5.30) Blackburn (3.60) Wolverhampton (1.70)
18.00: (19.0) Plymouth (8.50) Liverpool (1.13)
20.35: (1.80) Aston Villa (3.70) Tottenham (4.40)
Monday
22.45: (10.5) Doncaster (6.50) Crystal Palace (1.25)
***odds are subject to change***
