A star striker for United in his playing days, Van Nistelrooy was appointed as Ten Hag's assistant coach last July, taking interim charge when his fellow Dutchman was sacked in October.

Ruud van Nistelrooy was disappointed to leave Manchester United after his successful spell as interim coach came to an end but the Dutchman said he understands why new manager Ruben Amorim wanted to bring his own assistants into the club.

The Dutchman had four games in caretaker charge at Old Trafford -- two of them against Leicester -- following Erik ten Hag's sacking at the end of October, but left the club when Ruben Amorim arrived last month.

Ruud van Nistelrooy said his four games as interim manager of Manchester United was a "short but amazing period" after ending his run unbeaten with a 3-0 victory over Leicester on Sunday.

Manchester United interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy conceded the Red Devils are missing a world-class striker, but remains hopeful that Ramus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee can develop into that role.

Moises Caicedo's blistering second-half strike cancelled out a penalty from Bruno Fernandes as Chelsea salvaged a 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday, spoiling United's celebrations in their first Premier League game since the sacking of manager Eric ten Hag.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is relishing a reunion this weekend at Manchester United with former teammate Ruud van Nistelrooy, who is in interim charge of the Old Trafford side until Ruben Amorim takes over later this month, the Italian said on Friday.

The Dutchman is in temporary charge at Old Trafford after Erik ten Hag was sacked earlier this week following a terrible start to the season, with United in 14th place in the Premier League.

Gareth Bale scores his third goal in as many Euro 2016 games as Wales cruise into the last 16 with a clinical 3-0 dismantling of Russia.