Manchester United sealed two wins in as many weeks against Leicester City, as Ruud Van Nistelrooy signed off unbeaten from his interim spell.
A 3-0 result takes the Reds to 15 points, three off Chelsea in the final European place ahead of the beginning of the Ruben Amorim era.
Bruno Fernandes led the side out for his 250th appearance and marked the day emphatically – delighting the Stretford End with an all-action display.
Ultimately, it was a fitting end to a memorable four-game period for the legendary Dutchman and a promising performance to supply a semblance of confidence in the North West.
Three and easy for Ruud’s men
On an undeniably emotional day at Old Trafford, Alejandro Garnacho dropped to the bench for Amad Diallo as Marcus Rashford retained his place on the left.
There was confidence in United from the off, with a calculated gameplan maximising possession while restricting the visitors.
With much made about a lack of creativity and cutting edge in the final third, the dynamic of the attacking duo of Fernandes and Diallo was notable throughout.
A barrage of interplay and interchange complemented the tireless work rate of Noussair Mazraoui – while Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro marshalled the midfield.
Unsurprisingly, a combination of Bruno and Amad inevitably broke the deadlock. An expertly delivered backheel permitted the Portuguese man to convert a magnificent effort from outside the area after 17 minutes.
United doubled their lead twenty minutes later when a menacing Mazraoui delivery was flicked onto the leg of Victor Kristiansen, passing the helpless Mads Hermansen in the visiting net.
The scoreline was well-deserved and the endless efforts of the players were cheered on by a partisan home support throughout.
Amad repeatedly dazzled, embracing the opportunity and continuing the fine form which saw him bag a brace against PAOK midweek.
His work rate nearly was nearly rewarded in injury time, expertly weaving through the defence and fashioning an opportunity, unfortunately seeing his effort directly into the welcome direction of Hermansen.
Chants of ‘We want Glazers out’ echoed throughout the Theatre of Dreams as Peter Bankes signalled an end to proceedings – a timely reminder that supporters will not yield.
Only Tottenham Hotspur have scored more second-half goals than Steve Cooper’s side since the Foxes return to the Premier League.
For all of the promising work delivered in the opening half, nobody inside Old Trafford was taking anything for granted – particularly with this side’s tendency to capitulate in recent years.
Inevitably, the travelling support witnessed more possession from their men, but much of the time spent was in front of a structured red wall.
Rashford and Diogo Dalot didn’t enjoy their finest afternoon, and both made way for Garnacho and Jonny Evans after 58 minutes.
The Argentine injected some much-needed life into the game, emphasizing his ability to alter any outing with his pace and trickery.
His commitment was rewarded after 82 minutes, curling a long-range effort into the top left corner following a magical Christian Eriksen ball through the midfield.
For those who question the damage of negative social media traction, the usually flamboyant winger’s muted celebrations should highlight the necessity to support your own instead of hunting for notoriety.
A clean sheet erased the negative goal difference that had haunted the Old Trafford faithful, complementing a first League goal notched within the opening 30 minutes this season.
The players will now embark on another international break, halting the momentum gained throughout congested game weeks.
A trip to Ipswich Town awaits Amorim in a fortnight with the prospect of a further three points on the agenda.
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