Ruben Amorim is set to face Ruud van Nistelrooy. (Image: GETTY/BBC)
Ruben Amorim didn’t inform Ruud van Nistelrooy of his Manchester United dismissal face-to-face when he arrived as the club’s new head coach in November. But the pair will meet on the Old Trafford touchline next month when United host Van Nistelrooy’s new side, Leicester City, in the FA Cup fourth round.
Amorim’s side progressed by conjuring an awe-inspiring display of spirit and resilience to dump out record winners at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
United survived around 70 minutes across normal and extra time with one less player before scoring five perfect penalties in the shoot-out.
The Red Devils’ ball fittingly emerged first from the fourth-round draw that took place shortly after the dramatic penalty shoot-out.
Van Nistelrooy’s Leicester were the second team taken out of the hat, setting up an eye-catching storyline after the Dutchman’s exit.
His nostalgic return to Old Trafford was short-lived after joining ‘s coaching staff in the summer.
United’s decision to sack Ten Hag left Van Nistelrooy in interim charge for four home matches. He won three – one of them a 5-2 Carabao Cup success over Leicester – and drew the other against .
But Amorim’s arrival expectedly resulted in a quick exit, with the Portuguese bringing his own backroom staff from Sporting.
Ruud van Nistelrooy served as Man Utd’s interim boss. (Image: Getty)
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The Athletic that Amorim didn’t inform Van Nistelrooy that he was surplus to requirements face-to-face, instead sending his marching orders over the phone.
Amorim offered a smile when told of his upcoming meeting with the United icon, though, expressing his excitement about sharing the dugout.
“I talked with him before I came. I’m looking forward to speaking with him,” the 39-year-old told iPlayer after full-time at the Emirates.
“He’s a class, class guy, but we need to win. Maybe he will be divided! He loves this club. We’ll see. We need to win.”
The holders looked under jeopardy against when Gabriel Magalhaes’ deflected strike ruled out ‘ opener moments after Diogo Dalot’s second yellow card on the hour mark.
But incredible last-ditch defending and riding of luck on occasion – including when Altay Bayindir saved Martin Odegaard’s 72nd-minute penalty – kept the score level.
United’s No. 2 strengthened his cup hero status by denying for the decisive spot-kick. Fernandes, Amad, Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez and Joshua Zirkzee all converted in front of 8,000 travelling fans.
Amorim has a string of home games to look forward to before the meeting with Van Nistelrooy – with Southampton, Brighton and Rangers visiting Old Trafford in the next three games.