The Ruud van Nistelrooy interim era is off to a winning start as Manchester United defeated Leicester City 5-2 to progress in the Carabao Cup.
Right off the bat, it seemed like a change of manager was all that was needed for the players to rediscover their shooting boots as Casemiro gave United the lead with a screamer from outside the box.
He then found Dalot in acres of space in behind the defence from where the fullback crossed for Garnacho to double United’s advantage.
United smelled blood and despite a goal back for Leicester after Bayindir’s unconvincing display, they piled on two more with Casemiro and a deflected free-kick which awarded Fernandes his first goal of the season for United.
Leicester pulled another back in a breathless first half to go behind 4-2 at the break.
Leicester came out for the second wanting to make a mark and get back into it but United rode the storm, waiting for a mistake, and pounced on it through Fernandes to make it 5-2.
Despite United threatening more, that is how the game would finish to get the post-Ten Hag era off to the perfect start.
Here’s how the players rated-
Had the chance to prove Ten Hag wrong for overlooking him and not rotating but did nothing here to convince that he should have. Flapped at the ball for Leicester’s first and didn’t look comfortable playing from the back.
Brilliant assist for Garnacho and his overlapping runs were constantly looked for by his teammates. Not as secure in defence but a marked improvement from recent form.
Ayew and Cordova-Reid made him uncomfortable at times with their physicality but no glaring errors.
Better of the two centre-backs with and without the ball as he dominated his duels and played a key role in building from the back.
Left-back is not his preferred position but he did his job defensively and wasn’t asked to do much in attack as the attack clicked on its own.
In a team with four attackers, he was the most threatening with his movement and finishing instinct. Kicked off the Van Nistelrooy ‘era’ with a rocket from outside the box and almost had a hattrick in the first half itself.
Would be excited for Amorim’s arrival and this was a chance to play himself over his midfield partner on the day but that became difficult due to Casemiro’s brace. Still solid and encouraging.
Was doing well under Ten Hag even when the team was struggling so didn’t take a step back here when the attack was humming. Tried to make things happen and always looking forward.
His goalscoring duck for United this season finally broke, if slightly fortuitously via a deflection. Ended with two after showing a striker’s composure in the second half. Playing with a smile.
Undisputed indispensable for this team under any manager now. Was Ten Hag’s saviour with erratic finishing which clicked here. Helped himself to a finely taken goal in a brilliant all-around performance.
Did his usual link-up and drop-deep thing but getting increasingly difficult to see a genuine role for him in the first XI in his current form. Amorim’s biggest project when he comes.
Substitutes
Did well after coming on as the left-back with some forward runs, especially as an underlapping fullback.
Almost made a memorable impact by connecting with a bicycle kick as his first touch which went just wide of the post. A clear threat and should be a building block for the new manager.
Quiet evening after coming on late.
Quickly mastering the art of giving the defender on his back the slip to add to his growing skill set. Will come in for Zirkzee at the weekend to regain his starting place.
Came on with just five minutes to go for Zirkzee. Quiet.
Manager
The requirement from him for his first game was just “Don’t be Erik ten Hag” and how he checked that box! Yes, the opposition was a heavily rotated Leicester side but the team played with a smile on their faces, he looked delighted, and the game flew by. Even if it only lasts for a short time, nobody can take this debut away from him.
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