Manchester United delivered an emphatic response to Erik ten Hag’s recent sacking, thrashing a weakened Leicester City 5-2 to secure a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, in his debut match, guided United to a confidence-boosting victory at Old Trafford, where they looked rejuvenated in attack.
The Red Devils were determined to bounce back after their weekend loss to West Ham, Ten Hag’s final game in charge, where poor finishing had cost them. Under Van Nistelrooy’s direction, United rediscovered their touch in front of goal, helped by Leicester’s decision to rest key players; manager Steve Cooper made nine changes ahead of their upcoming Premier League fixture against Ipswich.
Casemiro ignited the home crowd with a spectacular long-range strike to open the scoring, placing the ball in the top corner. Alejandro Garnacho quickly doubled the lead, meeting Diogo Dalot’s cross with a powerful finish. Leicester managed to claw back a goal through Bilal El Khannouss, but Bruno Fernandes, who had yet to score this season, restored United’s momentum with a deflected free-kick minutes later.
Casemiro capitalized on a rebound to add his second, but Leicester pushed back when Conor Coady struck just before halftime. Nevertheless, Fernandes delivered again in the second half, taking advantage of a breakaway to round goalkeeper Danny Ward and slot home from close range, cementing United’s lead.
United’s commanding performance showed they remain focused on cup success, undeterred by ongoing speculation about Ruben Amorim’s potential arrival as the next permanent manager. Meanwhile, Leicester’s lineup reflected their focus on league priorities.
