close friend and former colleague, Andre Ooijer, has revealed that the Dutchman was left gutted by his exit. Ooijer has outlined the icon's sadness at losing his job after sacking, having desired to remain part of coaching staff.

Van Nistelrooy's stock as a coach and relationship with United's support skyrocketed during his stint as interim manager, winning three matches and earning a commendable draw against .

But it wasn't enough to convince Amorim, who was intransigent in his wishes to bring his Sporting backroom staff to Manchester.

Van Nistelrooy bid an emotional farewell to the Old Trafford crowd after a 3-0 Premier League win against Leicester City last Sunday.

The 48-year-old followed it up with a heartfelt letter published on social media earlier this week, spelling an end to his latest chapter in M16.

Ooijer, who was part of Van Nistelrooy's coaching staff during his short but successful reign at PSV Eindhoven, has since shared the latter's true feelings about his departure.

Ooijer said: "Ruud wanted to stay as assistant. He would have said something if he wasn't interested in working with Amorim.

"Ruud has had the chance to be manager or head coach at other clubs, but he deliberately did not take those jobs because he wanted to work at the club he loves most."

The ex-Netherlands defender added: "Don't forget Ruud did really well at United, a draw against Chelsea and victories in the other three matches.

"You could tell the fans liked him so much. You only had to watch how they reacted to him after his last match.

"He did so well under difficult circumstances. He has stayed unbeaten as a manager.

"If Amorim does not get the right results in the first few games, the crowd could start calling again for Ruud."

According to the , Van Nistelrooy is now eyeing a managerial position in the Premier League.

Further have linked the Dutchman with the Coventry City job after Mark Robins' controversial sacking earlier this month.

He is claimed to have applied to take charge of the Championship club, with Frank Lampard also firmly in the frame.

A new era at United starts next Sunday when Amorim's side travel to Portman Road to face Ipswich Town.

But there is the sense that there won't be too long to discover the next chapter in Van Nistelrooy's coaching story.