Ruud van Nistelrooy’s reign as interim manager got off to the perfect start with a rousing 5-2 victory over Leicester at Old Trafford – as Manchester United advanced to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
The legendary Dutch striker has been placed in charge of the Reds following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal on Monday.
A first-half brace from Casemiro, plus further goals from captain Bruno Fernandes – who also scored twice – and another from Alejandro Garnacho gave United a comfortable win.
With much to discuss, here are five talking points.
The goals flow at Old Trafford
United finally found their scoring boots as they hit five past a porous-looking Leicester side.
The 2023 Carabao Cup winners have found goals hard to come by in this campaign under their now-former manager, Erik ten Hag, so it was refreshing to see them find the back of the net with relative ease on the night.
This performance seemed to indicate that the shackles were off for some of the struggling first-team players, and they looked as if they enjoyed themselves.
Ugarte superb in midfield
Summer signing Manuel Ugarte followed up his promising display against Fenerbahce in the Europa League with an even better one here against the Foxes.
The 23-year-old was absolutely everywhere – and showcased all of the qualities that convinced the club to recruit him from Paris Saint Germain during the most recent transfer window.
It was the Uruguayan’s best performance in a red shirt to date – and he formed a solid partnership with fellow South American Casemiro in the middle of the park.
With Ruben Amorim on his way to M16 soon, Ugarte could explode into life under his old Sporting Lisbon boss.
Casemiro finds new lease of life under Van Nistelrooy
Brazil stalwart Casemiro put in a top-class showing against the East Midlands outfit, bagging himself a brilliant brace of goals in the first half in a much-improved display overall.
The 32-year-old opened the scoring with a sensational long-range effort that flew into the top corner before bagging his second of the evening before the interval.
It’s good to see the former Real Madrid man play well, having struggled for much of this campaign – even losing his place in the side in September.
He may not have the legs he once had, but a fit and in-form Casemiro can only be an asset around the squad.
Bruno Fernandes back to his brilliant best
Captain Bruno Fernandes was back to his old self as he dictated proceedings from the outset on Wednesday night.
The Portugal playmaker was at the heart of all of United’s good play – and saw his first-half free-kick deflected to the net.
He later helped himself to another goal in the second period – going around the goalkeeper to slot home.
When Bruno plays well, United usually respond in kind – and the Portuguese star will hopefully carry on his recent upturn in form.
Alejandro Garnacho a constant threat
Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho was in flying form for the home side, helping himself to another goal to take his tally for the second to six – and now sits top of United’s scoring charts for the current campaign.
The 19-year-old attacker gave his opposite number a torrid time down the left flank and was a constant outlet for the Red Devils all evening.
It is encouraging to see Garnacho continuing his development and still producing those exciting moments that saw him break into the senior side in the first place. Let’s hope he can keep progressing.
What did you make of Ruud van Nistelrooy’s first game in temporary charge of Manchester United – And were you impressed with the performance?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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