Naema Celestine 
Florence Simiyu
Manchester United secured an emphatic 5-2 victory over Leicester City in their first League Cup match since parting ways with former manager Erik ten Hag.
Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, making his debut, promised a thrilling game—and his players delivered. The win pushed United into the League Cup quarter-finals, showcasing attacking play that left fans buzzing.
Casemiro opened the scoring in style, netting a 25-yard stunner in the 15th minute that soared into the top corner, setting the tone for United’s attack. Van Nistelrooy, elated, celebrated vigorously from the sideline. “I have to say, we scored some great goals tonight,” said Van Nistelrooy. “Casemiro’s first was an absolute beauty.”
United doubled their lead soon after, with Alejandro Garnacho converting Diogo Dalot’s cross by smashing it into the roof of the net. Leicester attempted to answer back, with Bilal El Khannouss scoring from 16 yards after his shot ricocheted off both posts. However, United’s Bruno Fernandes quickly restored their lead by netting his first goal of the season from a deflected free kick.
Van Nistelrooy was thrilled for his captain, saying, “It’s been a long time coming for Bruno. Seeing him score tonight and lead the team like that—it was special.”
The goals kept flowing, with Casemiro scoring again in the 39th minute. His initial header bounced off the post, but he was quick to respond, smashing in the rebound and extending United’s lead to 4-1. Leicester pulled another goal back before the half ended, with Conor Coady heading home in stoppage time.
In the second half, Fernandes scored his second, skillfully intercepting a back pass, dribbling around the keeper, and sealing the game. “The fans were chanting ‘shoot!’ every time we got close. It felt like they knew we were on fire tonight,” Fernandes said.
United nearly increased the lead further as Garnacho, Fernandes, and Casemiro each narrowly missed, keeping the crowd on edge. Amad Diallo also had the fans on their feet, sending a spectacular bicycle kick just wide.
The final whistle saw fans chanting Van Nistelrooy’s name as he approached the Stretford End to thank them. “It’s incredible to feel that support,” he reflected. “I told the players to give their all, and they certainly did.”
The win comes at a crucial time for United, who sit 14th in the Premier League standings, just above Leicester. With six League Cup titles under their belt, United is hopeful for more success under new management.
Next up, they face Chelsea at home on Sunday, aiming to maintain this momentum and continue a new chapter under Van Nistelrooy’s leadership.
