Van Nistelrooy said: “The conversation with Wardy was impressive, I have to share with you. The way he was thinking of the team and the club and the performance of his team-mates, I was impressed with that. I insisted on the conversation. It’s a private conversation but what I want to share is the person and professional that he is.
“It was really tough on him, what happened to him. We’re professionals but we’re human beings as well. When frustration is being directed to one person in particular, that’s tough on someone. That’s what we spoke about.
“The way he’s been helping Jakub and the team, I have to emphasise the team player he is. That’s a big compliment to him. It helps Jakub to perform. The goalkeeper group is a tight bunch. They work well together. Danny was in a very difficult situation but he’s handling it in a great way, sharing his experience with Jakub and it shows in his performances.
“That reaction I was very happy with. It could have gone in another way but I think the conversation me and Jelle (ten Rouwelaar, goalkeeping coach) had with him was very important.
“Onwards from that, he’s been acting like a fantastic colleague for the goalkeepers. (The supporters) need to know that. It’s good that everyone knows he’s here to help the club to be better.”