- Man United defeated Leicester 5-2 in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening
- Ruud van Nistelrooy singled out one Man United star for praise after the match
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Manchester United interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy was full of praise for a much-maligned Red Devils star after Wednesday’s 5-2 win over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup.
Van Nistelrooy took charge of his first game at Old Trafford following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal on Monday, and United put in a dominant performance to book their place in the quarter-finals.
Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes both scored twice, while Alejandro Garnacho also got on the scoresheet as United’s players finally found their shooting boots after a difficult start to the season.
Casemiro’s first goal was the pick of the bunch as he whipped home an unstoppable strike from 25 yards, and later in the first half he was on hand to tap in from close range to put United in a dominant position. Van Nistelrooy praised the Brazilian midfielder after his striking performance on Wednesday evening.
“The first goal was an incredible top goal and a fantastic finish,” said Van Nistelrooy MUTV.
Ruud van Nistelrooy praised a Manchester United star on Wednesday evening
The interim manager admitted he was ‘delighted’ for Casemiro (right) after scoring twice
Erik ten Hag was ready to sell Casemiro in the summer after his disappointing second season at United
‘I am very happy for him that the first goal was scored. I was very happy for Case, the way he trained and helped the team and the club, he is such an example. You also see the reaction of the audience and they also know what he is talking about.
‘Of course he was criticized a lot during difficult moments during the match against Liverpool. It was so hard, he was almost the one to blame for that match and it’s not fair, he didn’t deserve that, it wasn’t true.
“When you see him in training and the way he prepares for games, with the history and everything he has achieved in five Champions Leagues, he is an example for us. That was part of my celebration, I’m happy for him.’
United were ready to listen to offers for Casemiro last summer, following his hugely disappointing second season at the club last season.
However, Ten Hag carried out a transfer U-Turn after being impressed with Casemiro’s pre-season and early season form.
But the 32-year-old suffered a nightmare against Liverpool last month as he was blamed for two of the goals before being sent off at half-time after the 3-0 defeat.
His playing time was limited in the weeks following that loss, but he has recently returned to the fold.
Casemiro has recovered well after a nightmarish performance against Liverpool last month
Casemiro scored in the 2-1 defeat at West Ham on Sunday and was among the goals again on Wednesday when he grabbed a brace.
He could now play a key role in United’s starting XI in the coming weeks, with Van Nistelrooy expected to remain in charge for the next three games before Ruben Amorim takes over after November’s international break.
A deal for the Sporting Lisbon boss is closing in, but it is likely he will serve his notice period at the Portuguese club before moving to England next month.