Jamie Carragher has claimed that Ruben Amorim should make his own decision on whether to keep Ruud van Nistelrooy at Manchester United.
Amorim, 39, was confirmed as United’s new boss last Friday, but he will not start until Monday, November 11.
The Portuguese coach – who will take over a United team that has struggled this season – will bring with him some of his trusted staff, meaning the future of Van Nistelrooy and fellow assistant Rene Hake is uncertain.
Interim boss Van Nistelrooy even made an impassioned plea to stay on last week, stressing that he intends to complete his two-year contract.
And according to Air sportsUnited’s players want the former United striker to stay on and act as a ‘connector’ between the new staff and the squad, having appreciated his communication skills in recent weeks.
Jamie Carragher has claimed that Ruben Amorim must make his own decision on whether to keep Ruud van Nistelrooy at Manchester United when he takes charge at Old Trafford next week
Van Nistelrooy, United’s interim boss, returned to the club as an assistant this summer
But Amorim will take a group of employees with him, making Van Nistelrooy’s future unclear
However, Carragher stressed that Amorim must ignore these pleas from the squad and do what he thinks is best, even if it upsets his players.
“I don’t think the players should have a say in an issue like this,” he further said Monday night football.
‘Especially after the performances they have had in recent years. If it was a very successful team, if there was a lot of respect for the players in the locker room and their opinions mattered, then that would be taken into account.
‘You don’t allow players to take charge, especially the Manchester United players.’
However, Carragher went on to say that Van Nistelrooy’s presence upon his arrival could be useful for the 39-year-old.
“I am sure that Ruben Amorim will bring his own team from Sporting,” he added.
‘But if he feels like he needs a connection, someone who knows Manchester United, the team, who has been there in recent weeks… then he can ask him to stay until the end of the season.’
During his speech last week – and before Amorim was appointed – Van Nistelrooy had explained that his plan was to return to his role as assistant after his interim period was over.
“It will be a short job as an interim, that was communicated very clearly and I was happy with that,” he said ahead of Sunday’s draw against Chelsea.
‘I have decided to come back here for a very important reason: that I am here as an assistant, I have come here to help the club move forward and I am still very motivated to do that in whatever capacity , as an assistant and now as an interim.
‘After this I will go back to my assistant contract that I have here for this season and next season. I am very motivated to stay here and help the club move forward.
“We’ll see, but it’s the contract situation I’m in and it’s my desire to take the club forward.
United’s players are keen for Van Nistelrooy to stay after appreciating his communication skills
Carragher continued to insist that Van Nistelrooy’s presence could be useful for Amorim
“I can talk to you about my side of the story and after the new manager signs and discussions take place, we’ll have to see how things develop.
‘I want to help, I want to do everything I can within my capabilities. The club is in a difficult situation and it is not where we all want it to be.
‘Everyone is watching Manchester United, but we as people on the pitch have to do our utmost, supported by fans, and it is a process.’
Van Nistelrooy has managed one win and a draw during his tenure so far, with the Dutchman set to lead the Red Devils against PAOK in the Europa League next Thursday before his final game in charge is at home to Leicester on Sunday.