'He cared and loved the club' - Ruud van Nistelrooy reveals how Erik ten Hag took Manchester United sacking as Red Devils continue negotiations with Ruben Amorim to replace Dutchman

The 54-year-old's two-and-a-half year spell at Old Trafford came to an end on Monday when CEO Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth informed him that his time was up. Van Nistelrooy is currently in charge while the Red Devils try and appoint Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim as Ten Hag's permanent successor. Now, former Netherlands striker Van Nistelrooy has revealed how "hurt" the ex-Ajax boss was over his dismissal.

He told reporters: "Yes I saw him [Ten Hag] on Monday and spoke to him before the game. He was disappointed and touched because he really cared for the club. The first conversations we had when I came back to the club, I felt he cared and loved the club and wanted to bring the club forward. That’s why he’s also hurt that he had to leave but also proud of his achievement here winning the two cups."

While Ten Hag did win a Carabao Cup and an FA Cup during his time at United, they have, arguably, regressed - despite spending more than half a billion on players over the past two-and-a-half years. Van Nistelrooy - who joined Ten Hag's coaching staff this summer - has been tasked with getting United back on the right track over the next few weeks, with Amorim potentially taking over the reins in mid-November.

After leading United to a 5-2 Carabao Cup win over Leicester City on Wednesday, Van Nistelrooy will hope to make it two wins from two when they host Chelsea at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday.