In his debut as Manchester United’s interim manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy guided the team to an emphatic 5-2 win over Leicester City in the League Cup at Old Trafford, offering a fresh start after Erik ten Hag’s exit. Following Ten Hag’s unexpected dismissal, Van Nistelrooy stepped in and may remain in charge for the upcoming match against Chelsea, while United considers Ruben Amorim as a potential long-term manager.
Key Elements of Van Nistelrooy’s Impact
1. Seizing Early Control United came out with strong intent, with Casemiro scoring 15 minutes in, followed by a quick second goal from Alejandro Garnacho. Despite Leicester pulling one back through Bilal El Khannouss, a deflected free kick from Bruno Fernandes and another Casemiro goal ensured United held a solid lead by halftime. This proactive approach was a welcome change, given United’s inconsistent starts this season, and it helped them secure a spot in the next round.
2. Casemiro’s Return to Form Last season, Jamie Carragher criticized Casemiro’s performance, particularly when he played as a makeshift center-back. However, against Leicester, Casemiro appeared revitalized, scoring a long-range goal and another from close range. He even came close to a hat-trick but narrowly missed connecting on a header from Fernandes’ free kick.
3. Defensive Issues on Set Pieces While United’s attack flourished, defensive lapses on set pieces allowed Leicester to capitalize. El Khannouss scored after United failed to clear a set piece effectively, and Conor Coady added another from close range after a defensive breakdown. These moments highlighted areas for improvement amid an otherwise solid showing.
4. More Fluid Attacking Play Under Van Nistelrooy, United displayed greater fluidity in attack compared to recent performances. They carved out numerous opportunities and demonstrated a level of creativity that had been lacking. This marked the first time they scored five goals against a top-flight team this season, signaling promise under Van Nistelrooy’s guidance.
A Positive Outlook for Supporters
For fans, this match was a bright spot after a difficult stretch. With Ruben Amorim likely to take over, United’s INEOS-led board now has a chance to rebuild. Should Amorim step in, he will inherit a team eager to maintain this momentum and restore excitement to Old Trafford after a challenging period.
