Ruud thankful to the fans

Our legendary former striker takes charge of the final game of his interim spell as head coach, ahead of next week's arrival of Ruben Amorim.

Leicester City are the opponents, as they were for his first match in the head-coach role, and, while the laser focus is on obtaining three points than can move us up the Premier League table, Ruud told club media that he appreciates the backing of the staff and supporters that have enabled him to calmly steer the ship before the boss comes in.

"Of course, when I took over, you think about this spell of four games and it's passing so quickly," he said. "I've enjoyed every moment of it. The connection is there with the players and the fans, and special moments.

"Sunday is the last one in that sequence and I guess it's going to be a little bit special. I just want to make sure we are at our best, which is what I am thinking about.

"The confidence that is growing, little by little, after the Leicester game, the Chelsea game, topped up with this one [PAOK in the Europa League]. Now, of course, we want to bring that into the Premier League.

"We know where we are in the table [13th] and where we want to be. I think the players will react to that and be at their best on Sunday."

Ruud's reception from the Old Trafford faithful ahead of the 14:00 GMT kick-off is certain to be raucous, as the Reds look to beat the Foxes for the second time in the interim spell.

"I couldn't have done it without their support [the fans]," he said. "And the support of the players and also staff members. But also the fans and you can't imagine walking out of the tunnel to get a reception like that, how it feels and how supported you feel, to do whatever I can to make the club better, the players better and get results.

"So a huge thank you for their support."

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