Ruud van Nistelrooy conducted his first news conference on Thursday since being appointed as United’s interim manager.

The former Manchester United striker said he had been told he would have the role for a “short” period of time and added he was “guessing” he would take charge of Sunday’s Premier League match against Chelsea.

“I felt that I was called upon to help the club forward in the situation and obviously it was difficult that Erik [ten Hag] had to leave,” Van Nistelrooy said.

“It was very disappointing, obviously with mixed feelings, but after that you have to switch the mindset to win because in the end there’s 75,000 people waiting and celebrating, and millions watching at home.

“I think that’s what we try to do and same for Sunday at least, then after that we’ll see.”

Van Nistelrooy also discussed conversations he had this week with Ten Hag, following his sacking, and former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who watched Wednesday’s win at Old Trafford.

On Ten Hag, whom he spoke to before Wednesday’s win over Leicester, he said: “Obviously [he’s] very disappointed because he really cared for the club.

“In the first conversation we had over talks for me to come back to the club with him, I really felt that he cared and loved the club and wanted to bring this club forward.

“That’s where we connected and that’s why he’s also hurt that he had to leave but [he’s] also proud of his achievements here with the two cups and obviously the history that he’s leaving with that.”

On United great Ferguson, Van Nistelrooy said: “We spoke shortly about my situation, shortly about the team, and most of all he wished me luck for the game. It’s always great to speak to him.”