After a week dominated by Erik ten Hag‘s sacking at Man United, all eyes were on Ruud van Nistelrooy as he lead the side for their Carabao Cup clash with Leicester.
And the Dutchman did not disappoint in his first game in charge as interim manager as he delivered a thumping 5-2 victory over the Foxes to reach the quarter-finals.
Goals from Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho helped secure the win and get the post-Ten-Hag era off to a flying start.
It’s no secret that United are closing in on Sporting Club boss Ruben Amorim however that didn’t prevent Van Nistelrooy from soaking up the occasion.
Here, Mail Sport runs through the five major talking points from the match.
United found their shooting boots
Prior to his sacking, a lot of discourse surrounding Erik ten Hag’s side revolved around their struggles to find the back of the net.
The Red Devils had scored just three goals from their last five domestic matches heading into the league cup clash – with some fans concerned their attackers could draw a blank yet again.
However, that was certainly not the case as United put five past the Foxes, with four of those coming in a scintillating first-half at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils looked fluid in attack and confident on the ball as they charged forwarded and were ruthless when it came to finishing off the chances.
Under Ten Hag, United failed to score five goals against Premier League opposition.
It took Van Nistelrooy just one match to do so.
Ugarte Unlocked
Amid the discussions over Amorim’s impending arrival at United, many have suggested the Portuguese boss will help Manuel Ugarte find his best form.
Well, had you watched Wednesday’s game, you’d be forgiven for thinking Amorim had already arrived given how impressive Ugarte’s performance was.
Though it was his midfield partner, Casemiro, who found the back of the net twice, it was Ugarte who impressed United fans and had them posting compilations online.
The Uruguayan was tenacious at the back and assured on the ball, helping United to easily transition from defence to attack a number of times during the match.
It’s important to note that this was the first time Ugarte started a match alongside Casemiro. After they both impressed, could this be the formula going forward?
Defensive issues still persist
For all the improvements seen in midfield and attack at Old Trafford, it’s fair to say that United’s defensive issues still persist.
Though they won by a three-goal margin, the two goals that they did conced will be disappointing for any coach, even an interim one.
Leicester’s opening goal came after the defence failed to react following a poor clearance by back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir before watching the ball belted into the net.
The Foxes’ second goal was even worse from a United perspective. About three defenders failed to deal with a whipped cross before Conor Coady poked home.
It may have been a somewhat make-shift back-line for the Red Devils however it will still have sent alarm bells ringing – whether that be for Van Nistelrooy or Amorim.
Bruno back in form
There’s been plenty of debate over Bruno Fernandes’ form this season.
The Man United captain has had one of his toughest starts to a campaign since moving to England – having been sent off twice and going on an extended goal drought for the Red Devils this year.
However, it looks as though the Portuguese international has found his confidence once more after bagging a brace during the Carabao Cup win on Wednesday.
The first was a free-kick which left Danny Ward rooted to the spot after taking a wicked deflection off the Leicester wall.
The second, however, was one to remember. After playing a crucial role in the build-up, Fernandes found himself bearing down on goal, one-on-one.
He showed the composure expected from a 30-goal-a-season striker as he ball-rolled Ward before essentially walking the ball into the back of the net.
United fans will be hoping that, now, Fernandes can put the early season struggles behind him as they look to kick-on under a new manager.
Ruud soaked up the occasion
Van Nistelrooy will be well aware that, no matter what the result against Leicester was, there would be no convincing the United hierarchy to take a gamble on him.
Amorim is the top target and Ineos chiefs are trying to get the deal over the line as quickly as possible – despite the notice period that he’ll have to respect before leaving Sporting.
Despite all of this, Van Nistelrooy clearly embraced the opportunity to lead the side and was seen pumping his fists passionately towards supporters prior to kick-off.
He was offered a standing ovation from United fans as he made his way out of the tunnel before taking in the celebrations later in the night, after securing the win.
He certainly did not carry the energy of a man acting as a stop gap between managers. Although, perhaps, he’ll be relieved to avoid a job that has ruined the reputation of so many in recent years.
