As Manchester City lost 2-1 to Tottenham on Wednesday, Ruud van Nistelrooy had a successful start as Manchester United’s temporary manager, defeating Leicester 5-2 to go to the League Cup quarterfinals. Chelsea lost 2-0 against Newcastle, while other teams like Arsenal and Liverpool secured their spots in the round of eight. After a terrible start to the season, the Red Devils fired Erik ten Hag on Monday, putting Van Nistelrooy, a United great as a player, in the position of interim manager.
“The guys’ response was outstanding. I’m glad the audience has a terrific football night and that they deserve the credit for a solid victory.”
When “players, staff, and supporters pull together,” United “can be unstoppable,” according to the Dutchman’s pregame remarks. They let free by scoring four goals in an exciting first half.
Alejandro Garnacho scooped home Diogo Dalot’s cross to appease a joyful Van Nistelrooy on the touchline after Casemiro’s incredible shot into the top corner opened the score.
The much-improved Foxes promptly responded with a goal from Bilal El Khannouss.
After a deflected free-kick from Bruno Fernandes gave United a two-goal lead again, Casemiro scored his third goal in as many games.
Leicester managed to secure another consolation goal through Conor Coady, but United was determined to win for the second time in nine games.
When Fernandes pounced on a brief back ball, he circled Danny Ward and fired home to complete the scoring.
After defeating a City team without Erling Haaland, United’s reward is a trip to Tottenham in the round of eight.
Timo Werner opened the scoring with a goal from Dejan Kulusevski’s enticing cross, his first since March.
After Pape Sarr’s long-range goal doubled Spurs’ advantage, Matheus Nunes helped an injured City level the score in stoppage time of the first half.
However, they were unable to equalize, and Pep Guardiola made it clear what his priorities are by keeping Haaland on the bench for the entire ninety minutes.
Read More: Jamal Musiala Hits Hat-Trick As Bayern Munich Cruise Into German Cup Last 16