Ruud van Nistelrooy has stepped in as interim manager for Manchester United, overseeing the team’s next three fixtures, which include matches against Chelsea, the Greek club PAOK in the Europa League, and Leicester City. Van Nistelrooy, who captivated fans during his playing days, made his managerial debut on Wednesday with a resounding 5-2 victory against Leicester in the Carabao Cup.

Following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag, new manager Ruben Amorim will officially take charge on November 11 after joining from Sporting Lisbon. Van Nistelrooy’s first match as interim boss is a Premier League encounter against Chelsea this Sunday at Old Trafford.

During his tenure as a player from 2001 to 2006, Van Nistelrooy achieved significant success with United, netting 150 goals in 219 appearances and collecting titles including the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup. His recent performance as a manager has drawn comparisons to previous club legends like Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick, who also took on temporary managerial roles. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer notably turned his interim stint into a nearly three-year tenure.

Looking at other football legends who have transitioned into management sheds light on how they shaped their legacies. Kenny Dalglish is revered at Liverpool for both his playing and managerial success. As a player, he contributed to three European Cups and later won additional titles while managing. His return to management was marked by an emotional connection with the fans after the Hillsborough disaster.

Duncan Ferguson enjoyed a special bond with Everton supporters during his playing career and briefly managed the team as well. His first match in charge against Chelsea was memorable for both him and fans, culminating in a victory that reinforced his status as a club legend.

Eddie Howe’s journey with Bournemouth showcases how a former player can become synonymous with a club’s resurgence. He took over during challenging times and led Bournemouth to unprecedented heights before maintaining their position in the Premier League.

Frank Lampard’s dual roles at Chelsea highlight how complicated transitions can be for club icons returning as managers. Despite facing challenges during his second term, he remains cherished by supporters who fondly recall his earlier successes.

Alan Shearer’s brief managerial stint at Newcastle illustrates how even legendary players can face daunting challenges when stepping into management. Despite relegation during his time at the helm, Shearer’s legacy remains intact among fans who regard him as an enduring icon of the club.