Ruud van Nistelrooy Appointed Manchester United’s Interim Manager: A Look Back at Post-Ferguson Era and Managers’ First Matches

Manchester United has entered a new chapter in their storied history with the appointment of club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy as interim manager following the departure of Erik ten Hag. Van Nistelrooy is now the ninth interim or permanent manager to helm United since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. Known for his prolific goal-scoring record with United from 2001 to 2006, van Nistelrooy’s interim appointment comes at a challenging time, as the club struggles to recapture its former glory amid a difficult Premier League season.

United’s current form has left them sitting 14th in the league, with just one win in their last eight games across all competitions. Van Nistelrooy’s first test in charge will be the Carabao Cup clash against Leicester City, followed by a Premier League showdown with Chelsea. As the Dutchman prepares to lead United, let’s revisit the rollercoaster journey of Manchester United managers post-Ferguson, examining the debut games of each manager in the last 11 years.

1. David Moyes: The “Chosen One” and a Promising Start

Following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, David Moyes, then manager of Everton, was chosen as the new United boss and widely referred to as the “Chosen One.” Moyes kicked off his United tenure with a 2-0 win over Wigan Athletic in the 2013 Community Shield. The game saw a brace from Robin van Persie, securing Moyes’ only trophy with the club. United then opened their Premier League campaign with an impressive 4-1 victory over Swansea City, hinting at a bright future.

However, Moyes’ promising start quickly unraveled. By April 2014, United found themselves languishing in seventh place, with disappointing performances in both domestic and European competitions. Ultimately, Moyes was dismissed just 10 months into his six-year contract, ending his brief and turbulent stint at Old Trafford.

2. Ryan Giggs: Club Legend and Caretaker Manager

After Moyes’ departure, United turned to one of their most iconic players, Ryan Giggs, as a temporary solution. Giggs, who had been serving as a player-coach, took on the role of caretaker manager for the final games of the season. His debut in the dugout was a resounding success, with United defeating Norwich City 4-0 at Old Trafford.

Though Giggs brought a sense of unity and optimism to the club, his tenure was short-lived. Over the course of four games, he compiled a record of two wins, one draw, and one loss. Giggs later transitioned to the role of assistant manager before departing the club in 2016.

3. Louis van Gaal: The Experienced Dutchman

In 2014, Manchester United appointed the experienced Louis van Gaal as their first non-British manager, hoping his tactical knowledge and extensive experience with top European clubs would rejuvenate the squad. However, his United debut ended in a disappointing 2-1 loss to Swansea City at Old Trafford—the club’s first home defeat to Swansea since 1931.

Despite the rocky start, van Gaal guided United to a respectable finish and secured an FA Cup title in his second season. However, a lackluster fifth-place finish in the Premier League led to his dismissal in 2016. While his tenure was marked by mixed results, van Gaal’s tactical approach and emphasis on youth development left an impression on the club.

4. Jose Mourinho: The “Special One” Begins with a Trophy

Jose Mourinho arrived in 2016 with a reputation for winning trophies, and he made an immediate impact, leading United to victory in the Community Shield with a 2-1 win over Leicester City. Goals from Jesse Lingard and new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic highlighted Mourinho’s knack for assembling star-studded lineups. His Premier League debut was equally promising, with a 3-1 win over Bournemouth.

Mourinho’s first season yielded success, including a League Cup and Europa League title, marking a return to silverware for United. However, a downturn in form during his third season saw United trailing the top four by a significant margin. Mourinho’s reign came to an end in December 2018 after a series of disappointing performances and tensions within the squad.

5. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: From Interim Hero to Full-Time Boss

Following Mourinho’s departure, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, a former United striker, was appointed as interim manager. Solskjaer’s first match in charge was a triumphant 5-1 victory over Cardiff City, marking the beginning of a fairytale run that saw him win 14 of his first 19 games. This impressive form led to Solskjaer being appointed as permanent manager.

During his tenure, Solskjaer brought a renewed sense of optimism, leading United to third and second-place finishes in the Premier League. However, inconsistent results and a tough start to the 2021 season ultimately led to his dismissal after a heavy defeat to Watford, leaving United once again in search of a manager to take them forward.

6. Michael Carrick: Caretaker Success in the Champions League

In the wake of Solskjaer’s exit, former United midfielder Michael Carrick took over as caretaker manager. Carrick’s debut was a crucial Champions League fixture against Villarreal, where United secured a 2-0 win, advancing to the knockout stages with goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho.

Carrick went on to oversee two more games, including a 1-1 draw with Chelsea and a thrilling 3-2 victory over Arsenal. Despite his short stint, Carrick’s unbeaten record showcased his potential as a future manager, and he soon moved on to take up a permanent managerial role at Middlesbrough.

7. Ralf Rangnick: The Tactical Expert’s Brief Tenure

Renowned for his tactical acumen, Ralf Rangnick took charge as interim manager in December 2021. His debut game ended in a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. While Rangnick initially enjoyed a solid run, a series of disappointing performances later in the season left United struggling to secure a top-four finish.

Rangnick’s tenure ultimately yielded only a sixth-place finish, and his role as a consultant with United was cut short as he opted to take over the Austrian national team. Although his stint was brief, Rangnick’s emphasis on pressing and discipline left an imprint on the squad’s approach.

8. Erik ten Hag: A New Era Stumbles Out of the Gate

In 2022, United looked to Erik ten Hag, a highly respected manager with a proven track record at Ajax. However, his debut against Brighton resulted in a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford, signaling a tough start to his Premier League career. Just a week later, United suffered a heavy 4-0 loss to Brentford, marking one of the worst starts for a United manager in recent memory.

Despite these early setbacks, Ten Hag managed to steady the ship, guiding United to an eighth-place finish and an FA Cup victory. However, a challenging start to the current season ultimately led to Ten Hag’s dismissal, with United now seeking a new direction under interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.

9. Ruud van Nistelrooy: A New Hope for Manchester United

With Van Nistelrooy now at the helm, United fans are eager to see if he can turn the tide and restore the club’s competitive edge. Van Nistelrooy’s first task as interim manager is a Carabao Cup clash against Leicester City, followed by a Premier League matchup against Chelsea. As a United legend, he brings a deep understanding of the club’s culture and the passion of its supporters, which could be instrumental in uniting the team during this transitional phase.

Van Nistelrooy’s extensive experience with PSV, combined with his storied playing career, positions him as a unique figure who could inspire the current United squad. Although his appointment is interim, his performance in the coming weeks could influence the club’s decision regarding a permanent managerial appointment.

Reflecting on United’s Managerial Rollercoaster

Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, Manchester United has struggled to find a manager capable of reviving the club’s winning ways. Each manager has brought distinct approaches and philosophies, yet none have been able to consistently restore United to the heights of Ferguson’s era. From Moyes’ ill-fated reign to Mourinho’s trophy-laden but contentious tenure, and from Solskjaer’s nostalgic resurgence to Ten Hag’s tactical overhaul, each chapter has added to the complex narrative of United’s post-Ferguson era.

With Van Nistelrooy now at the helm, United fans can only hope that his appointment marks the beginning of a new, stable era for the club. The Dutchman’s legendary status, combined with his coaching experience, could provide the balance needed to help United regain their footing. The coming weeks will reveal if van Nistelrooy can rise to the challenge, beginning with his debut against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup.