In a stunning display of football, Manchester United cruised into the League Cup quarter-finals with a commanding 5-2 victory over Leicester City on Wednesday night. The match marked the first under interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, following the sacking of Erik ten Hag.
United’s players delivered on Van Nistelrooy’s promise of excitement, with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes each netting two goals in a thrilling encounter at Old Trafford.
The scoring opened in spectacular fashion when Casemiro unleashed a stunning 25-yard strike into the top corner in the 15th minute, igniting the crowd and prompting a jubilant reaction from Van Nistelrooy. “I have to say that we scored some great goals. The first one was an absolute beauty from Casemiro,” he commented post-match.
Alejandro Garnacho doubled the lead shortly after, rifling a shot into the roof of the net from a Diogo Dalot cross. Leicester’s Bilal El Khannouss managed to pull one back with a remarkable effort that ricocheted off both posts, but Fernandes quickly restored United’s two-goal advantage with his first goal of the season. A deflected free-kick found the back of the net, further solidifying United’s control.
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As the home crowd urged their players to “shoot!” Every time they approached Leicester’s goal, Casemiro scored his second in the 39th minute, heading against the post before smashing in the rebound. Although Conor Coady pulled one back for Leicester just before halftime, United responded swiftly. Fernandes intercepted a back pass, rounded the keeper, and scored his second in the 59th minute, sealing the deal for the Red Devils.
Despite several near misses and a breathtaking bicycle kick from Amad Diallo that sailed wide, United’s performance delighted the home fans. They chanted Van Nistelrooy’s name as he acknowledged their support at the Stretford End after the final whistle.
The win came as a much-needed boost for United, who had been languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, just two points above Leicester. The club, a six-time League Cup winner, last lifted the trophy in the 2022-23 season under Ten Hag. Looking ahead, United will resume their Premier League campaign at home against Chelsea this Sunday, aiming to build on this momentum.
