S Poddar
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Manchester United debut was a roaring success as they cruised to a 5-2 victory over a much-changed Leicester City side in the Carabao Cup. The interim manager’s arrival sparked a much-needed change in fortunes for the Red Devils, who had suffered a disappointing defeat to West Ham United just days earlier.
It was a far cry from the recent struggles as United had it all their way against Manchester United at Old Trafford. The home team was full of confidence going forward, and they absolutely controlled the game from word go. Casemiro had given them the best possible start with a shot that seemed to come from everywhere when he scored with a rocket long-range shot, after which Alejandro Garnacho confirmed his goal with a finishing class.
Bruno Fernandes, who had not scored in games for a while, rediscovered his mark with a well-taken free-kick and a poacher’s finish. Casemiro added to his tally by capitalizing on a rebound for the final touch of a comfortable win for United.
While Leicester City, with interim coach Steve Cooper at the helm, had made nine changes to their starting lineup, it was evident that the Red Devils were on a different wavelength on the night. That was due to the exceptional tactical awareness and motivational powers of Van Nistelrooy, as the players responded with a performance that was dominated by them.
The win was booker for United’s a place at the quarter-finals in the Carabao Cup but, most importantly, it gave fans of the club such much-needed morale-booster for a club frustrated by the current form of the team.
As United rebuilds, with the hopes so high in this excellent victory under interim manager Van Nistelrooy, the loads of experience and the love this man has for the club may bring again that special turning point as a gifted team like that one in his hands might bring the good times again.
