Interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy says strength and togetherness is required if Manchester United are to seal a much-needed Premier League win against Chelsea on Sunday.
Life at Old Trafford is rarely quiet but this week has been particularly intense, with the former striker placed in charge after Erik ten Hag was sacked following a disappointing start to his third season in charge.
Van Nistelrooy took charge of Wednesday’s 5-2 Carabao Cup win against Leicester and will oversee three more games before Ruben Amorim joins as head coach from Sporting Lisbon on November 11.
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Home matches against PAOK and Leicester follow Sunday’s high-profile encounter with Chelsea, who have not won on their last 11 league visits to Old Trafford.
“It’s going to be a big match, a tough one,” caretaker boss Van Nistelrooy said. “Chelsea are 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 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.
Chelsea have been in good form of late (Peter Byrne/PA)
“Yeah, we have to really be together and strong to stop them. And from there, see what we can do to win the game.”
United head into the weekend 14th in the standings, with a paltry 11-point haul representing their second lowest tally at this stage of a Premier League season.
But this week’s changes and the interim appointment of Van Nistelrooy have lifted the mood around Old Trafford, where the fan favourite is expecting to benefit from the club’s unwavering support.
“I think in general the way we are supported and the way the fans are, and helping us in difficult times, and they stay behind the team and encourage the team, which is special,” he told club media.
“It doesn’t happen in any other club, so we’re very happy with the fans and we need them and we want to give the fans that back: the joy of winning games, and that’s our motivation.
“So hopefully the interaction is there again, because it will lift the team.”
Christian Eriksen is back in contention (Martin Rickett/PA)
United head into the Chelsea match dealing with a string of absentees.
Harry Maguire, Mason Mount, Antony and Kobbie Mainoo are set to miss out along with long-term absentees Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Leny Yoro, but Christian Eriksen could return.
“Not many changes,” Van Nistelrooy added. “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.”