Ruud van Nistelrooy feels his former team-mates’ criticisms of Manchester United are so intense because they care about the club.
Van Nistelrooy has been given the job of leading United to the next international break until new boss Ruben Amorim takes over.
The Dutchman’s immediate task is to try and beat Chelsea at Old Trafford and move United away from their current 14th place in the Premier League.
Gary Neville and Roy Keane are likely to be watching the game for Sky Sports.
The pair have been withering in their assessment of United in recent years, while Paul Scholes, Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand have also been outspoken in their assessment.
Van Nistelrooy shared a dressing room with them all. He understands where they are coming from.
“Basically, they care for the club, want it to do well and are disappointed if it doesn’t,” he said.
“I don’t have any problems with that. We all do our jobs and they have opinions. It is absolutely fine.
“I don’t take it personally. I am still in touch with some of them. When I see them I have a cup of coffee with them.”
Van Nistelrooy turned down the chance of a managerial position at Burnley to return to Old Trafford as Erik ten Hag’s assistant in the summer.
The season has not turned out as Van Nistelrooy hoped.
Although the 48-year-old has stressed he signed a two-year contract, it is difficult to see where he fits in Amorim’s backroom team and the likelihood is he will move on.
For now, Van Nistelrooy wants to play a part in restoring United’s fortunes.
He accepts it is not going to be a speedy process.
“We are not going to turn it around from today to tomorrow,” he said. “But I think we will get it done. I believe in that over the longer future.”
