Manchester United 3-0 Leicester talking points: Three impress, Van Nistelrooy reception & injury scare

Manchester United ended the Ruud van Nistelrooy’s brief stint as manager with a convincing 3-0 win over Leicester City on Sunday.

The Dutchman’s four-game run the host seast ended without defeat and ensures a smooth handover to the incoming Ruben Amorim, who officially takes charge on Monday. Goals from Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho either side of a Victor Kristiansen on-goal saw United take all three points, although it was far from a vintage performance from the Red Devils.

Nonetheless, a win moves United up to 13th place in the table ahead of a two-week international break, and closes the gap to the division’s top sides. We’ve rounded up the major talking points from an emotional day at Old Trafford

Who impressed?

So much has been made of United’s midfield issues in the last 18 months, but this was a performance when all three men in the centre impressed. Fernandes will steal the headlines after a display in which he scored and provided an assist. This wasn’t an outstanding display, but his ability to provide game-changing moments is still vital for United.

Casemiro also received a standing ovation as he made his way off the pitch in the latter stages and pounded his fist against his chest, clearly sharing his affection for the home supporters. But the pair were possible outshone by Manuel Ugarte, who broke up play on several occasions and his penchant for playing the simple pass helped United retain possession and build attacks.

The big winner of the brief Van Nistelrooy era may be Amad, who scored two in midweek and was excellent again on Sunday. His backheel set up Fernandes’ opener and his performances make a mockery of the fact he remained behind Antony for so long in the pecking order under Erik ten Hag.

Who struggled?

While two offensive players stood out, the displays of Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund are cause for concern. The latter has scored just two in 12 this season and his inability to hold up the ball was a key takeaway, while for the second game in four days he looked dejected as he was replaced.

As for Rashford, again he looked disinterested at times and failed to effectively press. He was taken off before the hour and Amorim needs to find a way of getting the player back to the levels he showed two seasons ago.

Diogo Dalot was the final player who struggled and Abdul Fatawu had some real joy down the Leicester left. Dalot was also sloppy in possession and his defensive frailties are becoming a repeated theme of United games at present.

Martinez hobbles off

Lisandro Martinez had to receive on-field treatment in the second period and appeared to be in real discomfort. The defender did manage to finish the game but was seen holding an area near his hip and back as he went to take a throw-in during the final minutes.

It didn’t look like a serious problem and United will hope that after a fifth clean of the Premier League season that the Argentinian’s knock is just minor.

Van Nistelrooy reception

The match ended with Van Nistelrooy’s name ringing around Old Trafford - not for the first time. But there was real gratitude in the rich applause afforded to a former Stretford End hero.

Perhaps it was no surprise that the ex-striker headed straight to that end of the pitch to clap the fans. There were a few waves - is this goodbye? Maybe. But it was moment that supporters and the Dutchman will remember for a long time.

United’s greatest-ever manager

It’s official, Van Nistelrooy is United’s greatest-ever manager. Well… kind of. The 48-year-old’s win over Leicester means he ends his short premiership with a win percentage of 75, the highest in the club’s history.

He overtook the record set by his former team-mate and another interim - Michael Carrick - in November and December 2021.