1
Manchester United took on Leicester City aiming to draw themselves closer to the top four and finish off Ruud van Nistelrooy’s interim spell in style.
Andre Onana started in nets while Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot took up their usual spots in the fullback roles.
Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez returned to the centre of the defence with Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte offering the protection in midfield.
Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund also began from the start while Thursday night’s hero, Amad Diallo, was given another opportunity to shine.
Here are four things we learnt from the match.
Amad contributes again from the start
The young Ivorian sparkled on Thursday night against PAOK and was rewarded by Van Nistelrooy with a rare start in the Premier League.
The 22 year old did not disappoint as a sumptuous back-heeled assist set up Bruno Fernandes to open the scoring nice and early for the Red Devils to settle the nerves.
He also showed much of the same energy as he did midweek, running at the Foxes’ defence and causing them all sorts of problems.
His first half performance was almost capped off with a great run and shot that was well saved by Mads Hermansen in the Leicester goal.
Amad has contributed well this season every time he has started and this continued today giving incoming head coach Ruben Amorim a lot to consider.
Bruno is clicking into gear at right time for Amorim
Fernandes endured a tough start to the season but he has really stood up to be counted in the last month or so.
He fired in a wonderful finish after linking up well with Amad to score his fourth goal in four games under Van Nistelrooy.
He thought he had added a second just before half time but the goal was later given as a Victor Kristiansen own goal. He later added an assist to a phenomenal strike from substitute Alejandro Garnacho to seal the three points.
Since joining the club in 2020, Fernandes’ form has inevitably been linked to United’s and Amorim will be licking his lips at the prospect of his compatriot clicking into gear just at the right time as his spell as head coach is about to begin.
Ugarte shows promise
The Uruguayan has had a mixed start to life at Old Trafford and struggled last time out versus Chelsea in the league.
Ugarte was much better today though as he won the ball back time and time again and was a bundle of energy in the middle of the park.
Whilst his passing was a little off, like most of his teammates on a slippery surface, he certainly showed what he is capable of from a defensive perspective.
Amorim has spoken of his excitement of linking up again with his former player and the 23 year old will also surely be ecstatic that he can prove himself at United under the guidance of the man who oversaw his breakthrough onto the European stage at Sporting Lisbon.
Van Nistelrooy brings back the good vibes
Former manager Erik ten Hag boldly claimed at the start of the season that his team was full of good vibes after the FA Cup win and successful summer but this often seemed far from the truth based on what fans saw on the pitch.
The mood certainly took a decidedly gloomy turn in the last few weeks of the Ten Hag regime but in the four matches Van Nistelrooy has been in charge, there has been an extra spring in the step of the players.
It must be taken into account that a new manager bounce is common and three out of the four matches were against inferior opposition, all at home.
Nonetheless, the players clearly responded to his methods and seemed to play with much greater freedom and most obviously of all, just seemed to enjoy being on the Old Trafford pitch again.
Reportedly the Dutchman will have a crunch meeting with Amorim tomorrow to thrash out his future but regardless of what happens, he has certainly enhanced his reputation as a coach on one of the biggest stages of all.
Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images
