Van Nistelrooy accepts his short stint as leading man

Dutchman hopes his interim role will be the first step in 'helping the club move forward' for new manager

- Will Unwin

Ruud van Nistelrooy is once again the focal point at Manchester United, almost two decades after ending a five-year spell leading the line. The boots were hung up long ago and he has swapped the famous red shirt for a tunic and long coat but it is like the old days as the Old Trafford fans elongate his first name.

"Ruuuuuuuud" was the chant when he left the tunnel to take charge of his first match, leading United to a much-needed 5-2 Carabao Cup victory over Leicester. United laid down a marker but with Chelsea's visit on Sunday and a first Europa League win of the season required against Paok four days later, the Dutchman knows this is not a busman's holiday, even for someone who has maintained his hero status despite an acrimonious exit in 2006.

"I want to help, I want to do everything I can in my abilities, as many others do, to fight for this club," said Van Nistelrooy, who returned in July as Erik ten Hag's assistant. "The club is in a difficult situation and it is not where we all want it to be. The challenge is there.