Van Nistelrooy 'doesn't want to be viewed as ETH's backdoor man to take place'

Man United assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy is reportedly concerned about being viewed as the man who betrayed Erik ten Hag.

Ten Hag signed a new contract in the summer but already finds himself under huge pressure once again after another poor start to the season.

The Red Devils sit 14th in the Premier League with just two wins from their opening six matches.

Harry Maguire rescued a point for the Ten Hag's side at Porto in the Europa League on Thursday, a goal that may well have saved the Dutchman's job.

However, a daunting trip to Aston Villa awaits on Sunday afternoon and many believe Unai Emery's men could put the final nail in the coffin.

Van Nistelrooy is the favourite to take charge in the event that Ten Hag is sacked with the former striker expected to be offered the role on an interim basis.

However, The Mirror report that Van Nistelrooy is wary of being perceived as an opportunist who only became Ten Hag's assistant with the aim of taking the top job.

The Old Trafford legend has previous experience of this, except he was the one on the receiving end.

Van Nistelrooy's only previous job in management ended in turmoil after a season in charge of PSV when he accused assistant Fred Rutten and a number of senior players of conspiring with the club's directors behind his back.

He quit before the final game of a season in which his side lifted the Johan Cruyff Shield and qualified for the Champions League.

A source in Holland told The Mirror: 'Van Nistelrooy is a principled guy. He felt betrayed at Eindhoven - and he will not want to be viewed as the man who went behind Erik ten Hag's back.'

There has also been speculation about tension behind the scenes at United with Ten Hag aware that Van Nistelrooy was brought in by INEOS to provide a safe pair of hands should he be shown the door.