'Weakness': Ruud van Nistelrooy left his mark on George Best's son with a kind gesture after his father's death

Ruud van Nistelrooy may have been a ruthless competitor on the field, but he was equally compassionate off it.

Van Nistelrooy joined Manchester United in 2001 from PSV Eindhoven and wasted no time in making his mark, scoring 36 goals in all competitions in his first season.

He went on to make more than 200 appearances for United and score 150 goals, establishing himself as one of the deadliest strikers in the Premier League.

The 48-year-old left United in 2006 to join Real Madrid, but returned in the summer and joined. Erik ten Hag's backroom staff as assistant.

However, Ten Hag was relieved of duties on Monday after a dismal start to the season and Van Nistelrooy was promoted to interim head coach until Rubén Amorim takes over on November 11.

Although Van Nistelrooy's appointment is temporary, a man who loved what he saw on Wednesday is someone who greatly admires the Dutchman because of a kind act during his childhood.

Towards the end of the striker's time at Old Trafford, United lost one of their greatest players of all time. george bestwho died in 2005 from a lung infection and multiple organ failure at age 59.

It shook the Red Devils fan base to its core as supporters and players past and present paid tribute to the Northern Irishman.

The legend's untimely passing was also an incredibly difficult test for Best's son Calum.

Calum was in his twenties when he lost his father and it affected him greatly.

But in an exclusive interview on talkSPORT's The Kickback with Shebahn Aherne and Ruesha Littlejohn, Calum revealed how Van Nistelrooy helped him through one of the toughest days of his life.

“I love the idea of ​​(Ruud) Van Nistelrooy,” said Best, before Amorim's appointment was confirmed.

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“I think he's a genius. I watched the game (against Leicester) and thought: what a great person to have! Who knows if he'll stay, but I thought he looks good.”

“I remember a random story, this is a little tragic, but I'll tell you anyway because it's a little relevant. When my old man passed away, I was all over the place. I remember I was drinking whiskey before this memorial, I was quite lost in that moment and I remember that Ruud came up among all the people and sat there and looked at me.

“And I could feel his sincerity when he asked me how I was doing. So I've always had a soft spot for him and I liked seeing him on the sideline.”

Calum, now 43, still attends United matches at Old Trafford and sits in the director's box.

He is also the president of the Dorking Wanderers women's team and is working overtime in his bid to help the club climb the English pyramid.

As for Van Nistelrooy, he faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford given that incoming manager Amorim will bring with him five coaches.

Van Nistelrooy won his first game in charge of United beat Leicester City 5-2 in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, and now faces a monumental challenge on Sunday when Chelsea visit Old Trafford.

If he doesn't stay at United, perhaps Best could approach the Red Devils for some guest appearances at Dorking's training sessions… over to you, Marc White!