Manchester United defeated Leicester City 3-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, handing interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy the perfect ending to his four-game spell in the hot seat.
Bruno Fernandes was superb – orchestrating proceedings from the outset on his 250th appearance for the club – and he fired the Reds ahead in the first half following a clever back-heel assist from the impressive Amad Diallo.
An own goal from Foxes defender Victor Kristiansen doubled the home side’s lead – before a stunning late strike from substitute Alejandro Garnacho rounded off a fine performance from the Red Devils.
With plenty to digest, here are five talking points from the game.
Bruno Fernandes is still as influential as ever
It was a landmark occasion for the United captain as Fernandes celebrated his 250th appearance for the Old Trafford outfit.
The Maia native marked his special day by delivering a brilliant performance crowned by a trademark strike – curling home a delightful opener from distance.
The 30-year-old skipper is undoubtedly the creative hub and played a crucial role in the buildup for the second goal.
After somewhat of a slow start to the campaign, the former Sporting midfielder has looked well and truly back to his best in recent weeks.
Ruud van Nistelrooy has had a big impact as caretaker boss
It has proven to be a successful period in charge for Ruud van Nistelrooy, who hasn’t put a foot wrong since taking the reins on an interim basis.
The Dutchman has gone undefeated during his four-game mini run and has seemed to have had a positive effect on the dressing room – with three wins and a draw signalling a marked improvement in form.
The 48-year-old club legend started and finished his reign with emphatic victories over Leicester, and has made a strong case to be kept on by incoming manager Ruben Amorim.
In a much better place heading into the international break
With a couple of confidence-boosting wins under their belts and no fresh injury concerns, the 20-time English champions enter the international break almost at full strength.
Long-term absentee Leny Yoro is finally back in training, as is Mason Mount – who returned to action as a substitute in Thursday night’s European victory.
Tyrell Malacia, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are also nearing a return to fitness.
Ultimately, this bodes well for Amorim as he embarks on his new role on Monday and could have close to a full squad to choose from for his first game in charge against Ipswich Town in two weeks.
Alejandro Garnacho silences his critics
Garnacho was left out of the starting XI for Sunday’s Premier League encounter after an indifferent run of form.
Having been the target of needless influencer abuse midweek, the youngster answered his doubters with a sensational late strike at the Stretford End.
The 20-year-old is United’s top scorer this season and one of the brightest young prospects in the game.
He must be allowed time and patience to hone his talents and develop as best he can.
Manuel Ugarte continues to grow in Manchester
It was another impressive showing from Manuel Ugarte – with the Uruguayan delivering arguably his best performance in a United shirt.
The 23-year-old was a bundle of energy all afternoon, and it is easier to count the blades of grass he didn’t touch.
Impressively, the midfield enforcer made an eye-catching eight tackles – the most any Manchester United player has made in a single Premier League game since records began.
Ugarte now looks well settled in midfield alongside Casemiro – and the South American will hope to get even better under the tutelage of former Lisbon boss Amorim.
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