Ruud van Nistelrooy breaks his silence after being named as Leicester’s new manager just weeks after leaving Man United

Ruud van Nistelrooy has shared his thoughts after being confirmed as Leicester's new manager following the sacking of Steve Cooper.

The Dutchman will watch the Foxes' clash with Brentford from the stands on Saturday after signing a contract until 2027 to manage the Premier League strugglers.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker, who left his coaching role at Old Trafford earlier this month, will be in the dugout on Tuesday when Leicester meet West Ham at the King Power Stadium.

Van Nistelrooy succeeds Englishman Cooper, who was dismissed after just twelve league matches at the helm.

And the 48-year-old has broken his silence after making a swift return to football just weeks after leaving United in the wake of Ruben Amorim's appointment as the Red Devils' new boss.

He said: 'I'm proud, I'm excited. Everyone I speak to about Leicester City Football Club is enthusiastic.

'They have great stories about the quality of the people who work at the Club, the supporters and of course the recent history of the Club is impressive.

“I'm excited to get started and get to know everyone and give everything I can to the football club.”

He was in charge of PSV Eindhoven for the 2022-2023 season and won two domestic cups, but resigned one match before the end of the Eredivisie season. Ben Dawson, part of Cooper's coaching staff, will be on the sidelines against Brentford.

The ex-Red Devils striker from Nistelrooy took on the role of interim following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag last month and led the side to three wins and a draw in a successful period.

He ended his short tenure with an emphatic 3–0 win over his new club Leicester and previously expressed his desire to remain at Old Trafford despite remaining in the dark about his future.

But Amorim decided against keeping the Dutchman upon his arrival in Manchester, opting to remain with his own staff as he prepared for his first match against Ipswich on November 24.

Van Nistelrooy later posted a heartfelt message to X, insisting he will 'cherish the memories' of his time as manager of the club.

He said: “To everyone at Manchester United Football Club, especially the backroom staff, the players and the fans. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible efforts and support.

“It has been a privilege and an honor to represent the club as a player, coach and manager, and I will always cherish the memories we shared together.

'@ManUtd will always have a special place in my heart, and I hope there will be many more glory days at Old Trafford soon – not just because I want the club to do well, but because you all deserve it!

'All the best and be careful, Ruud.'

Burnley are reportedly considering a move for the 48-year-old as their form dips under manager Scott Parker.

Van Nistelrooy was one of the leading contenders to take over as Burnley boss in the summer.

He eventually chose to return to Old Trafford as Ten Hag's assistant and reunited with the club where he scored 150 goals in 219 games between 2001 and 2006.