The new manager bounce is a tale as old as time: a club in poor form sacks its head coach, and the very next match said club is invincible. While Manchester United wasn't wholly invincible this evening, Ruud van Nistelrooy ensured they looked close to it. The legendary former Red desperately needed a win in his first match as interim manager, taking over duties from fellow countryman Erik ten Hag after the latter's sacking on Monday.
Van Nistelrooy was tasked with hosting Leicester City at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup Round of 16, the competition Ten Hag won in his first season with the club. The Dutchman breathed new life into the team as the attack exploded with five goals, displaying a composure in front of the net virtually unseen under Ten Hag this season.
Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes led the scoring with a brace each, along with Alejandro Garnacho who tacked on one of his own. Some kinks in United's set-piece defense gave Leicester two goals and slight comeback hopes, but the tidy midfield partnership of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte didn't provide the Foxes many chances to get in behind.
Manchester United vs. Leicester City Player Ratings
MAN OF THE MATCH: Bruno Fernandes - 9.5/10
Fernandes finally broke through, netting a brace after entering the match without a goal in all club competitions this season. The Red Devils captain was ever-present in his central attacking midfield role, creating four chances and converting his only two shots on goal.
Altay Bayindir - 6/10
Bayindir's only other start this season came in United's 7-0 rout of Barnsley in this competition, but the Turkish goalkeeper was left a bit exposed against a higher level of competition. The 26-year-old backup made two diving saves in 90 minutes of play but could have possibly prevented Bilal El Khannous' 33rd-minute goal had his positioning been better.
Diogo Dalot - 7.5/10
Dalot provided a cracking counterattack assist in Alejandro Garnacho's goal, placing the ball perfectly across the box for the Argentine to smash it in the back of the net. The right back also created four chances and was accurate in 91% of his passing.
Matthijs de Ligt - 6.5/10
De Ligt did not feature much before being subbed off in the 72nd minute. However, he was the most accurate passer (96%) to play 45 minutes or more.
Victor Lindelof - 6.5/10
In his first full 90 minutes and only his second start of the season, Lindelof looked solid. The Swede completed the most passes (66) in the match, but his defensive performance was likely held up by Leicester's struggling attack.
Lisandro Martinez - 6.5/10
Playing at left back, Martinez was outside of his typical central position and has some trouble defending out wide in the past, but the Argentine was generally solid despite coming off in the 62nd minute.
Manuel Ugarte - 8/10
Ugarte enjoyed one of his best performances in a United shirt thus far as he was exceptional in defense (2/2 aerial duels won, 4/6 ground duels won, 9 recoveries). The Uruguayan had struggled to get regular minutes under Ten Hag but can be an important piece to the midfield going forward, especially during Kobbie Mainoo's absence.
Casemiro - 9/10
Casemiro was nothing but his vintage self as he matched Bruno Fernandes' scoring output, which included a dazzling curler from outside the box that opened the scoring in the 15th minute. Despite rumors that the 32-year-old would be on the move due to Ugarte's arrival and declining form at the end of last season, the Brazilian has displayed his leadership on the pitch and looks certain to make an impact in the new era.
Marcus Rashford - 6.5/10
On the eve of his 27th birthday, Rashford had a less-than-optimal game, completing only 68% of his passes and taking one shot on goal before coming off in the 63rd minute.
Alejandro Garnacho - 8.5/10
The Argentine youngster showed off his creativity from the wing, creating five chances including an assist to Casemiro. His 28th-minute strike was his sixth goal in all competitions this season.
Joshua Zirkzee - 6.5/10
Zirkzee is still struggling to find the back of the net, seeking his first goal for the club since the Premier League's opening weekend nearly three months ago. The young Dutchman's confidence is very clearly dwindling, and it will be up to the future coaching staff to unlock his potential.
SUBS
Noussair Mazraoui - 7/10
Amad - 6.5/10
Jonny Evans - 6/10
Rasmus Hojlund - 6/10
What's Next for United?
The Red Devils will return to Premier League action on Sunday (November 2) when they take on Chelsea at Old Trafford. Van Nistelrooy looks set to continue as interim manager despite United closing in on Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese tactician is reportedly expected to take over after the November international break, per Sky Sports.