Casemiro offers three-word Ruud van Nistelrooy verdict after brutal Man Utd axe

Casemiro says that he'll be 'forever grateful' for 'legend' after the Dutchman left .

Van Nistelrooy's departure was following talks with new boss . The ex-United striker had for the Red Devils' last four games, winning three and drawing one.

That followed the sacking of , who brought Van Nistelrooy back to the club in July to be . But Amorim's preference to from has resulted in the 48-year-old leaving United, just as he did in 2006 after five years at Old Trafford in which scored 150 goals.

In a tribute, Casemiro posted an image of the pair hugging to his 22million followers on . As the caption, he wrote: "Forever grateful. Legend."

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Casemiro spoke about Van Nistelrooy's positive impact on Sunday after beating 3-0 in the . "From minute one, he spoke to us and told us to always enjoy it, to be happy always, to take advantage of the moment to play for Manchester (United)," he explained. "We often forget, don't we?"

The Brazilian started all four of Van Nistelrooy's matches, scoring twice in his first game - a resounding 5-2 victory over Leicester in the . Casemiro's performances - like many of his team-mates' - have improved since Ten Hag was sacked, with a nightmare display against earlier in the season by far his worst showing this term.

Van Nistelrooy didn't give up on him, though, hailing the former stalwart after his two goals in the cup: "The way he's been training and helping the team and the club, he's such an example. You also see the crowd's reaction and they also know what he's about," he told post-match.

Get involved! Should Ruben Amorim have kept Ruud van Nistelrooy? Have your say in the .

"Of course, going through difficult moments, the Liverpool game, he got a lot of criticism. It was so hard, he was almost the one to blame for that game and it's not fair, he didn't deserve that, it was not true.

"If you see him in training and the way he prepares for games, with the history and all he has achieved with five Champions Leagues, he's an example for us. That was part of my celebration, I'm happy for him."

United paid tribute to Van Nistelrooy's work in a statement announcing his departure, saying: "Ruud is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend. We are grateful for his contribution and the way in which he has approached his role throughout his time with the club. He will always be very welcome at Old Trafford.

"Rene Hake, Jelle ten Rouwelaar and Pieter Morel have also departed and we wish them all well for the future. We will confirm the full men's first-team coaching composition in due course."

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