Man United hit five past Leicester to kick off post-Ten Hag era

A United legend as a player, Van Nistelrooy was thrust into the role of interim manager after the Red Devils sacked Erik ten Hag on Monday following a dreadful start to the season. Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim is the man the English giants have targeted to take over but are still in negotiations with the Portuguese champions to agree compensation for the 39-year-old. According to reports in Portugal, Amorim will remain at Sporting for the next three matches before completing his move during the November international break.

Van Nistelrooy said before the game that United "can be unstoppable" when "players, staff and supporters pull together" and they cut loose by scoring four times in a thrilling first 45 minutes. Casemiro's stunning effort into the top corner opened the scoring after 15 minutes before Alejandro Garnacho swept home Diogo Dalot's cross to please a jubilant Van Nistelrooy on the touchline.

Bilal El Khannoussi quickly pulled a goal back just three minutes later for the much-changed Foxes. Bruno Fernandes' deflected free-kick restored United's two-goal cushion before Casemiro slammed home his third goal in two games. The Brazilian could've got a hat-trick within the first 45 minutes of the clash, but his header was just wide. Conor Coady grabbed another consolation for Leicester but United were not to be denied just a second win in nine games. Fernandes rounded off the scoring as he seized the opportunity to fire home past Danny Ward from Okoli's costly error in defence.

Man United fans couldn't have asked for a better start to life without Erik ten Hag as manager, as the Red Devils progress into the quarter finals of the Carabao Cup, with Van Nistelrooy claiming his first win as interim manager. 

 

October 30, 2024