Win for United in Ruud's last match as Interim Manager
Manchester United 3 - 0 Leicester City
Bruno Fernandes celebrated his 250th appearance for Manchester United by delivering an impressive performance as Ruud van Nistelrooy concluded his time as interim manager with a 3-0 victory over Leicester in the Premier League.
Fernandes opened the scoring and later netted a second goal that was officially credited as an own goal by Victor Kristiansen. He also assisted Alejandro Garnacho for a brilliant third goal, helping United secure their third win in four matches since the departure of Erik ten Hag as manager.
The home fans serenaded Van Nistelrooy at the final whistle . The Dutchman can be pleased with the return of three wins and a draw from four games, even if United remain in the bottom half of the table. He now leaves Old Trafford after it has been confirmed that he won't form a part of the new manager's coaching staff.
Super Reds News Post Match Review: United 3 - 0 Leicester
Fernandes shines for Ruud
Before the game, United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe presented Bruno Fernandes with a framed shirt to celebrate his milestone appearance.
Before Ten Hag’s departure, Fernandes had been struggling to find form—a fact he openly acknowledged straight after United’s Carabao Cup victory over Leicester on 30 October, when he shared that he had apologised to his former manager for not delivering his best.
Fernandes' opening goal was a superbly hit, low shot from the edge of the box, following a precise pass from Amad Diallo. This marked his fourth goal in as many games.
The United captain seemed to feel he deserved credit for the second goal as well, gesturing to his thigh in celebration. He initially missed Noussair Mazraoui’s cross with his head, but the ball dropped onto his leg before deflecting off Kristiansen and into the Leicester net.
With this goal, United doubled their previous tally of first-half goals in the Premier League. However, Van Nistelrooy’s reaction was more restrained than during the cup win over Leicester, when his team’s goals had sparked greater celebration.
Bad luck for Leicester or are there bigger problems for Cooper's side?
It could have been a very different day for Leicester. The absence of veteran striker Jamie Vardy through injury was a real setback a side that lacked the finishing touch needed to capitalise on the chances they did manage to create.
Aside from Ndidi’s missed chance, Abdul Fatawu made a speculative attempt from inside his own half to try to catch Onana off guard, but his shot came to nothing as he slipped on the wet surface.
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Harry Winks also tried his luck from the edge of the box but couldn’t beat Onana, who later made a sharp low save at his post to deny Jordan Ayew’s second-half effort, which looked like it might sneak in.
By the final whistle, Leicester had registered five shots on target compared to United’s three. Cooper could only look on in frustration as all of United's attempts found the back of Leicester’s net.
