Ruud van Nistelrooy issues Chelsea verdict and sends warning to Man Utd stars

Manchester United boss Ruud van Nistelrooy has been speaking ahead of his side’s clash with Chelsea on Sunday. The Dutchman was appointed interim boss at Old Trafford following the sacking of Erik ten Hag earlier this week, and he now know he will be in charge until the arrival of Ruben Amorim from Sporting CP on November 11.

Van Nistelrooy oversaw a comfortable 5-2 win over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup during the week, and he is now looking to make a statement in the Premier League when Chelsea visit on Sunday, hoping to take care of business themselves, currently just a point outside the top four.

"Yeah, it's going to be a big match, a tough one,” Van Nistelrooy admitted, speaking to the United club website. “Chelsea playing really well at the moment. Lots of attacking power players who can decide the game, scoring lots of goals, playing very well on the ball. So, we're going to have to be at our very best, you know, to get a result, to get a good game. It's obviously what we want. We want to try and win it. But we also respect the opponent, know their qualities, and [what] we have to do. Yeah, we have to really be together and strong, you know, to stop them. And from there, see what we can do, you know, to win the game."

The Dutchman also spoke about the more attacking style he employed during the week and his desire to get fans onto their feet. "Of course, when we have the possibilities to play and to attack, we always will try to do so,” he added. “I think that's what it's like, you know, to play for this club and gets the crowd lifted. And that's what the fans want to see. And, obviously, the intent is always there to do so. But, of course, you have to be the dominant side in the game and it's definitely our intention. But if it's not the case, then we have to find other ways to win the game, and there are other ways to do so and see how can get there on Sunday."

United team news

United have injuries aplenty currently, with the likes of Harry Maguire, Mason Mount, Luke Shaw and many others currently sidelined. That has limited them this season, and they are also sweating on the fitness of one more player ahead of the visit of Chelsea.

Van Nistelrooy said: “Not many changes. We're still hoping and working hard to get Christian Eriksen part of the squad. He's working hard to make it in the last moment. And other than that, there's no news on players that will be available, any other than yesterday."