Ruud van Nistelrooy has further cemented his Manchester United legacy with his 4 game interim spell while the club organise and wait on new manager Ruben Amorim to arrive. In the unusual circumstances of playing against Leicester City twice in the four games, this spell has been successful and a much needed confidence boost which has shown attacking promise, defensive stability and a feeling of hope and optimism ahead of the new manager’s arrival.

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Teams

Ruud’s final team selection saw minutes for most key players, with rotation coming in the attacking roles as the game was won and in control. The changes didn’t slow down the tempo too much as it has in some occasions in recent seasons, which will allow the new manager who was surely watching to be able to get a glimpse of what’s at his disposal.

For Leicester, their difficulties in the league continue as they struggle to find goals and defensive stability. Questions over whether they can do enough to survive this season will continue, but on that performance they will need some January reinforcements if they are to stand a chance.

Manchester United: Onana, Mazraoui, Martinez, De Ligt, Dalot (Evans 57′), Ugarte, Casemiro (Eriksen 79′), Rashford (Garnacho 57′), Fernandes, Amad, Hojlund (Zirkzee 75′)

Subs: Bayindir, Heaton, Lindelof, Mount, Antony

Leicester City: Hermansen, Kristiansen, Vestergaard, Faes, Justin (McAteer 83′), Ndidi (El Khannouss 70′), Winks, Soumare, Fatawu, Ayew (Edouard 88′), Buonanotte

Subs: Ward, Coady, Okoli, Choudhury, Skipp, Mavididi

Manchester United 3-0 Leicester City

It was a polished and emotionally charged performance at Old Trafford as Manchester United wrapped up their interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy’s four-game stint in fine style with a 3-0 Premier League victory over Leicester City. The day was made all the more special for skipper Bruno Fernandes, who was presented with a commemorative shirt beforehand to mark his 250th appearance for the club, and more importantly, began the scoring with a superb strike from the edge of the box in the 17th minute. It was a fitting curtain-raiser for a man who was integral to United’s renewed spark under Van Nistelrooy.

United continued to assert control throughout the first half. Just before the break, a whipped cross from Noussair Mazraoui caused trouble in the Leicester box, Fernandes got a touch, but it ended up diverted into the net off defender Victor Kristiansen for an unfortunate own goal. After the interval, the Reds saw out the game professionally, but emphatically, when substitute Alejandro Garnacho curled in a superb finish into the top corner in the 82nd minute, having been set up once again by Fernandes, who created all three goals (including the own goal). The result marked a clean sheet and a dominant display to close out Van Nistelrooy’s tenure as interim boss.

This victory was about more than just three points, it capped off a meaningful and morale-boosting interlude under Van Nistelrooy, who departed with three wins and a draw from four matches, having steadied the ship in the post-Ten Hag era. Fernandes certainly thrived under his guidance, delivering repeatedly, while Garnacho’s moment of magic underlined the exciting potential still to be harnessed at the club. With the arrival of Rúben Amorim looming, optimism was in the air, United have momentum, a reinvigorated spirit, and a renewed sense of purpose to carry them forward.

Talking Points

Ruud van Nistelrooy signed off his brief spell as interim Manchester United manager in the best possible way, overseeing a commanding 3-0 win against Leicester City at Old Trafford. Four games, three wins and a draw later, the Dutchman left the dugout to a warm reception from the fans, many of whom clearly enjoyed seeing a club legend restore a sense of stability and belief. While he always knew his stint was temporary, Ruud can be proud of the platform he leaves behind, having steadied the ship in a difficult period and reminded everyone that United’s DNA is built on attacking football and togetherness.

Once again, Bruno Fernandes was at the heart of everything good for United. Marking his 250th appearance for the club, the captain set the tone with a stunning opener and played a decisive role in the second and third goals. Fernandes has been criticised at times for trying to do too much, but over the last few weeks he has looked like a player completely at ease with the responsibility on his shoulders. Against Leicester, he pulled the strings with vision, composure and no shortage of quality, proving once more why he remains the beating heart of this side.

Just as importantly, there was a growing sense of confidence about United’s performance, something that has not always been easy to say in recent seasons. The players looked sharp, hungry, and united in their purpose, with Garnacho’s late strike adding a flourish that reflected the belief now flowing through the team. With Rúben Amorim set to arrive and take charge, he will inherit a squad that has momentum on its side, led by an in-form captain and buoyed by a clean slate. For United, this wasn’t just three points; it felt like a step forward in the journey back towards consistency and ambition.