Ruud van Nistelrooy has admitted Sir Alex Ferguson and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer both reached out to wish him good luck after being named Manchester United interim manager.

Van Nistelrooy joined as an assistant to Erik ten Hag in the summer but was given control of the first team late last month following his compatriot's dismissal, overseeing an impressive 5-2 victory over Leicester City in his first game in charge.

In the build-up to the game, Van Nistelrooy received messages of support from Ferguson and Solskjaer as he sought to make an impact on the biggest stage of his managerial career to date.

"I spoke shortly with Sir Alex," Van Nistelrooy said. "He wished me luck before the game.

"Ole sent me a text to wish me luck, as [did] many former players that reached out and just sent me a text, [wishing] all the best. It was great to receive all these messages."

The general feeling of positivity around Old Trafford played a huge role in United's performance against Leicester and Van Nistelrooy urged supporters to get behind their side once again when they face Chelsea on Sunday.

"I think in general the way we are supported and the way the fans are, and helping us, you know, in difficult times, and they stay behind the team and encourage the team, which is special," he said. "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."

After the Chelsea game, Van Nistelrooy will have two more matches in charge - against PAOK and Leicester - before Ruben Amorim will take over as United's new permanent manager.

As a result, Van Nistelrooy's long-term future with United is unclear, but the former striker has already made it clear he hopes to be given the chance to remain part of the furniture at Old Trafford.

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