Manchester United kicked off life under interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy in style against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup.
Ruud van Nistelrooy's debut as interim manager of Manchester United against Leicester City was marked by high expectations and a clear vision for the team.
In the lead-up to the match against Leicester in the EFL Cup, he emphasised the importance of passion, energy, and teamwork.
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“It was hectic, a day where emotions were going, we had to stabilise and get back to work,” he stated, highlighting the emotional turmoil following Erik ten Hag's departure.
What Ruud ordered
Van Nistelrooy aimed to instill a sense of pride in playing at Old Trafford, reminding players of their responsibilities:
“What it is about to play at Old Trafford and play in front of the wonderful fans with enthusiasm, lots of possession and attacks - that’s what Man United is about.”
His message to the squad was clear: deliver an exciting performance that would engage the fans and demonstrate their capabilities.
“The most important thing is passion, energy, play together, and get the crowd going and give them a great night of football,” he asserted in an interview shared by SkySports.
The club legend recognised that despite recent setbacks, including a disappointing loss to West Ham, the team had the talent and experience needed to turn things around.
He expressed optimism about their potential, stating, “We have the qualities and experience to do so... we were knocked down but we are up again, fighting, and that’s what United is about.”
What Manchester United delivered
The match against the visitors delivered a resounding response to Van Nistelrooy's expectations. United secured a convincing 5-2 win against the Foxes to banish the ghost of their emotions from the Ten Hag's sacking.
The team showcased their attacking ability with standout performances from Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, scoring twice, alongside Alejandro Garnacho's goal.
This emphatic win sealed their place in the EFL Cup quarterfinals and demonstrated the players' ability to rally under new leadership.
Van Nistelrooy's approach resonated with the squad as they delivered a performance filled with the demanded energy and enthusiasm.
The victory served as a pointer to Ruud's ability to inspire and motivate players during a challenging time.
Reflecting on his mixed feelings regarding Ten Hag's departure, he was sad and acknowledged the difficult transition given how hard his compatriot worked to fix the club
“It’s mixed feelings, it’s sad to see Erik go, he was the one that got me here. He really fought and did everything in his possibilities to forward this club. So, that’s why it is mixed feelings and sad to see him go.”
In summary, Ruud van Nistelrooy set high expectations for Manchester United ahead of their match against Leicester City, emphasising teamwork and passion.
And the Red Devils responded positively by delivering an impressive victory that could signal a turning point for the club in this new chapter.