Ruud van Nistelrooy may have impressed on his Man United debut but removing Erik ten Hag hasn’t solved all of the club’s problems – FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED from the Red Devils’ 5-2 win over Leicester
After a week dominated by Erik ten Hag’s dismissal at Man United, all eyes were on Ruud van Nistelrooy as he took charge for their Carabao Cup clash with Leicester.
And the Dutchman did not disappoint in his first game as interim manager as he reached the quarter-finals with a resounding 5-2 win over the Foxes.
Goals from Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho helped secure the win and kick-start the post-Ten-Hag era.
It’s no secret that United are closing in on Sporting Club boss Ruben Amorim, but that hasn’t stopped Van Nistelrooy from seizing the opportunity.
Here, Mail Sport runs through the five key talking points of the match.
Manchester United recorded a 5-2 victory over Leicester in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday
Ruud van Nistelrooy took over the lead of the team on Monday after the departure of Erik ten Hag
United have found their shooting boots
Prior to his dismissal, much of the discussion surrounding Erik ten Hag’s side centered on their struggle to find the back of the net.
The Red Devils had scored just three goals in their last five home games heading into the league cup tie. Some fans were concerned that their attackers could score another clean sheet.
However, that was certainly not the case as United put five past the Foxes, four of which came in a scintillating first half at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils looked fluid in attack and were confident on the ball as they charged forward and were ruthless when it came to finishing chances.
Under Ten Hag, United failed to score five goals against Premier League opponents.
Van Nistelrooy only needed one match for that.
Under Ten Hag, United failed to score five goals against Premier League opposition. Van Nistelrooy only needed one match for that.
Ugarte unlocked
Amid the discussion surrounding Amorim’s impending arrival at United, many have suggested that the Portuguese boss will help Manuel Ugarte find his best form.
If you watched Wednesday’s match, you would have thought Amorim had already arrived given Ugarte’s impressive performance.
Although it was his midfield partner Casemiro who found the net twice, it was Ugarte who impressed United fans and had them posting compilations online.
The Uruguayan was tenacious at the back and confident on the ball, allowing United to switch from defense to attack with ease on a number of occasions during the match.
It is important to note that this was the first time Ugarte started a match alongside Casemiro. After they both impressed, could this be the formula for the future?
Manuel Ugarte put in his best performance since joining the Red Devils last summer
Defensive problems persist
Despite all the improvements in midfield and attack at Old Trafford, it’s fair to say that United’s defensive problems still persist.
Although they won by a three-goal margin, the two goals they conceded will be disappointing for any coach, even an interim coach.
Leicester’s opening goal came after the defense failed to react following a poor clearance from backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir before seeing the ball end up in the net.
The Foxes’ second goal was even worse from a United perspective. About three defenders failed to deal with a cross before Conor Coady poked at the ball.
It may have been a somewhat improvised back line for the Red Devils, but it will still set off alarm bells – whether for Van Nistelrooy or Amorim.
Despite the impressive victory, there are still some defensive issues that need to be resolved
Bruno back in shape
There has been a lot of discussion about Bruno Fernandes’ form this season.
The Man United captain has had one of his toughest starts to the season since moving to England. He was sent off twice and has suffered a lengthy goal drought for the Red Devils this year.
However, it appears the Portugal international has found his confidence again after bagging a brace in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup win.
The first was a free-kick, leaving Danny Ward on the spot after taking a poor deflection off the Leicester wall.
The second, however, was one I will never forget. After playing a crucial role in the build-up, Fernandes found himself heading towards goal one-on-one.
He showed the composure expected of a striker scoring 30 goals a season as he rolled Ward with the ball before actually running it into the back of the net.
United fans will be hoping Fernandes can now put his early season troubles behind him as they look to get started under a new manager.
Bruno Fernandes ended his goal drought with an impressive brace in the win over the Foxes
Ruud enjoyed the opportunity
Van Nistelrooy will be well aware that whatever the outcome against Leicester, the United hierarchy cannot be convinced to take a chance on him.
Amorim is the main target and Ineos chiefs are trying to complete the deal as quickly as possible, despite the notice period he must respect before leaving Sporting.
Despite all this, Van Nistelrooy clearly embraced the opportunity to take the lead and was seen pumping his fists passionately towards the supporters before kick-off.
He received a standing ovation from the United fans as he walked out of the tunnel before joining the celebrations later in the evening after securing the victory.
He certainly didn’t have the energy of someone who served as a stopgap between managers. Although he may be relieved to avoid a job that has ruined the reputations of so many in recent years.