Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy is officially the interim manager at Old Trafford.
The news comes as Erik ten Hag was sacked last week and his successor, Ruben Amorim, isn’t set to start until later on in November.
As such, United’s assistant coach has stepped up to take charge, starting his short tenure off with a win.
In his first game as Red Devils boss, van Nistelrooy’s squad managed an impressive 5-2 win over Leicester in the Carabao Cup. Their victory has secured them a seat in the quarter-finals to face Tottenham Hotspur.
With such an impressive showing, it’s fair to say everyone there was happy to be in attendance.
However, one man more than most.
Ruud van Nistelrooy addresses selecting Jayce Fitzgerald
For Jayce Fitzgerald, it was his first time featuring in the senior team’s matchday squad.
Ruud van Nistelrooy has commented that the Under-18s player told him it was a ‘dream come true’ to be selected for the first time.
Speaking to MUTV after the game about Fitzgerald’s selection, van Nistelrooy commented: “It was fantastic to have him today in the dressing room.”
He continued: “I asked him what his feelings were and he was proud and [he said] it was a dream come true.
“He is a 17-year-old lad, doing really well in the academy like Jack Fletcher, Harry Amass and Ethan Wheatley as well. They are gaining experience in training sessions and are also close around the team for games like this.
“For them, it is fantastic; for their development, even more.”
Fitzgerald’s versatility is no doubt the reason for his selection, being able to play in midfield or defence, making him a very adaptable option to have on the bench.
It’s expected that long with Ethan Whitley, Harry Amass and Jack Fletcher, Fitzgerald will be on of the next few academy graduates to follow in Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho’s footsteps into the senior squad.
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