RUUD VAN NISTELROOY’S reign got off to a winning start as Manchester United beat Leicester 5-2 to reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
Suddenly, scoring goals looked easy as fans inside Old Trafford screamed “attack, attack, attack” during United’s first post-Erik ten Hag victory.
Poor finishing was to blame for Sunday’s defeat to West Ham, which proved to be the final nail in Ten Hag’s coffin.
But United rediscovered their confidence in front of goal in Van Nistelrooy’s first game as interim manager.
It was just the Reds Devils‘ fifth win in 15 matches this season, with the home crowd finally given something to cheer about.
And the players looked happy for a change too, especially after Casemiro netted a screamer from distance inside 15 minutes.
Alejandro Garnacho doubled their lead in the 27th minute, before Leicester drew one back through Bilal El Khannouss five minutes later.
One-time goal machine Bruno Fernandes bagged his first of the season, albeit via a huge deflection off James Justin from a free-kick, in the 36th minute.
Casemiro– who was slated as one of United’s worst signings prior to this match by Gary Neville – then fired in his second of the evening, before Conor Coady hit on the verge of half-time to add another twist in the tale.
While this win marked the start of a new era, there were plenty of signs of Ten Hag’s United of old.
For all their attacking prowess, they still looked frail at the back in periods – something United-bound Ruben Amorim will surely address as soon as he arrives at Carrington.
Fernandes capped off the seven-goal thriller in the 57th minute to make it 5-2 and earn a quarter-final tie away at Spurs – a test that will reveal far more about just how much Ten Hag was to blame for United’s poor performances.
As for this match, against a weakened Leicester side, here is how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the Manchester United players…
Altay Bayindir – 6
Although United dominated, Bayindir looked shaky when Leicester’s chances came.
He flapped with a dodgy punch which led to the away side’s 33rd minute goal. And he looked to repeat it with McAteer’s shot just before half-time.
But one excellent second half save, pushed on to the crossbar, when Steve Cooper’s side were pressing, boosts his mark up a bit.
Victor Lindelof – 6
Hasn’t got the partnership with De Ligt established yet as they both failed to deal with crosses too often from centre-back.
But wasn’t really troubled consistently in the absence of Jamie Vardy in what was his second start of the season.
Matthijs De Ligt – 7
A more physical presence at the back than in previous performances but a more potent attack could have caused much more trouble.
Kasey McAteer got the better of him a few times and he was subbed in the 71st minute for Jonny Evans.
Lisandro Martinez – 6
Looked vulnerable at left-back in moments, with Lindelof filling in at centre-back.
James Justin often had acres of space in the second half before United made it 5-2.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Back in his beloved right-hand side and told to push into midfield but often left his defensive channel wide open.
Passed back all too often and kept Justin onside in the first half.
He assisted Garnacho’s opener though after collecting Casemiro‘s stunning lofted pass.
Played a part in Leicester’s second after the ball bounced off him to drop for Coady in another silly goal to concede for the home side.
Casemiro – 9
The star of the show. A stunning first-half showing saw Casemiro score a brace after bagging a 30-yard screamer for United’s opening goal inside 15 minutes.
He was involved in Garnacho’s goal too. Came up with a number of key defensive headers in the second-half to show class is permanent, although form might be temporary at 32 years old.
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Manuel Ugarte – 6
Conceded early fouls but worked hard. Slowly but surely starting to get to grips with his United team-mates after a shaky start.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
Restored United’s 3-1 lead with his first finish of the season. Played with a smile on his face, which we often haven’t seen this season.
Dummied the ball for Casemiro’s worldie and scored his second of the evening in the 57th minute after rolling it under Danny Ward before tapping it into an empty net.
Will be leaned on heavily by Van Nistelrooy to produce the goods following Ten Hag’s departure.
Marcus Rashford – 6
A quiet evening for Rashford, who needs to kick on after Ten Hag’s exit.
The winger lost the ball a lot in the first 30 minutes. Flicks didn’t come off and hauled off again in the 60th minute.
Rashford’s only played a full 90 minutes THREE times this season.
Alejandro Garnacho – 7
A goal and assist for Garnacho, who attended the Ballon d’Or on Monday.
The 20-year-old doubled United’s lead inside 27 minutes after a well worked team move and set up Casemiro’s brilliant opener.
Looked a constant threat throughout and was taken off 20 minutes from time to be saved for Sunday’s clash against Chelsea.
Joshua Zirkzee – 4
Worked hard but never looked confident on the ball and struggled to get involved in the seven-goal thriller. Never seemed to be on his toes either.
But the only consolation is that he was involved in Casemiro’s second (United’s fourth).
Trudged off after 85 minutes looking disgruntled with his tail between his legs.
Subs
Amad (60′ for Rashford) – 7
Instant impact from the bench. The youngster almost scored an overhead kick with his first touch of the evening.