Manchester United secured a convincing 5-2 victory over Leicester City in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, marking Ruud van Nistelrooy’s debut as the club’s interim manager with a much-needed win.
United, who sacked Erik ten Hag earlier this week, appointed Van Nistelrooy as the interim head coach, and he wasted no time in making an impact. Goals from Casemiro (2), Bruno Fernandes (2), and Alejandro Garnacho propelled the Red Devils into the quarter-finals of the competition.
The match got off to an exhilarating start with Casemiro scoring a stunning opener in the 7th minute. His long-range effort kissed the angle of the post and bar before nestling into the back of the net, sending the Old Trafford crowd into raptures.
Leicester City responded quickly, however, with Bilal El Khannouss equalizing just four minutes later. The Foxes took the lead for the first time in the 23rd minute when Conor Coady turned the ball home from close range.
But United were not to be denied, and they restored parity just two minutes later through Garnacho. The youngster was played in by Diogo Dalot and coolly slotted the ball past Leicester goalkeeper Danny Ward.
United then took control of the match, and Fernandes put them ahead for the first time in the 35th minute with a deflected free-kick that took a huge bounce before beating Ward. Casemiro added a second just before half-time, scoring on the rebound after his initial header hit both posts.
The Red Devils continued their dominant performance in the second half, and Fernandes sealed the win with his second goal of the night in the 57th minute. He rounded Ward and smashed the ball home from close range to give United a 5-2 lead.
After the match, Van Nistelrooy expressed his delight at the win and his willingness to continue serving the club for as long as he is needed. “Even on an interim basis, it is a great honour to manage the club I love for however long I am asked to do so,” he said. “I can promise that I will continue to give my all, in whatever capacity, to try to turn around our fortunes.”
United’s win sets up a quarter-final clash with Tottenham Hotspur, who eliminated Manchester City in the last 16 earlier in the evening. The Red Devils will travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the tie, which is scheduled to take place in the week beginning Monday, December 15.
Elsewhere in the Carabao Cup, holders Liverpool will face Southampton, while Arsenal will host Crystal Palace in an all-London tie. Newcastle United, who defeated Chelsea 2-0 on Wednesday, will play host to Brentford in the other quarter-final matchup.
Van Nistelrooy’s appointment as interim manager comes at a crucial time for Manchester United, who have struggled under ten Hag this season. The club is currently in the midst of negotiations to appoint Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim as their permanent manager, but Van Nistelrooy has vowed to serve the club for as long as he is needed.
“I came here as an assistant, to help the club, and now on this role I’m helping as long as I’m needed,” he said. “In the future in any capacity I am here to help the club further, to build towards the future. That’s what I’m here for. I’m here to help, I’m here to serve, I’m here to give my everything for the club.”
With Van Nistelrooy at the helm, Manchester United will be hoping to build on their win over Leicester and turn their season around. The Red Devils have time on their side, and with fixtures coming thick and fast, they have plenty of opportunities to build up some positive momentum.