1 month ago
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MANCHESTER UNITED broke an unwanted club record despite Ruud van Nistelrooy signing off in style.
The Red Devils beat Leicester 3-0 in the interim manager’s final match at the helm.
GettyVan Nistelrooy‘s future is unclear with the incoming Ruben Amorim set to appoint his own assistant coaches.
The Dutch legend has overseen cup wins against Leicester and Paok, as well as a Premier League draw with Chelsea and today’s victory over the Foxes for a second time.
Despite the upturn in form, United are still languishing in 13th.
And it is the first time the club has ever gone into the November international break in the bottom half of the table in Prem history.
Yet they are only four points away from third after Chelsea and Arsenal played out a 1-1 draw.
Van Nistelrooy was serenaded by the Stretford End as he lapped up the love from supporters on his way to the tunnel after today’s game.
The club icon, who scored 150 goals for United as a player, said after the game: “It is a closure to the block of four games and the future is open.
“It was a beautiful moment to be able to share that with the supporters, it was special.
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“A beautiful moment and to show gratitude to them [the fans], I can’t thank them enough.”
On his efforts since Erik ten Hag‘s sacking, he added: “We tried to stabilise after a difficult and emotional period.
“We wanted to get players performing at their best, we got the right feeling to them and got them believing in themselves.
“This spell was a big responsibility, I took it very seriously.
“I wanted to help and get United into a better place, that was my goal.
“With three wins and a draw it is a standard where you want to grow to as a club.”
Man Utd ratings v Leicester
Here's how SunSport's Martin Blackburn rated the Red Devils.
ANDRE ONANA – 7
Stood tall when Ndidi went through on goal and a decent tip round the post from Ayew as Leicester tried to get back in it.
NOUSSAIR MAZROUAI – 6
Lucky to escape tackle on Buonanotte without any punishment. Supplied the cross from the left which led to United’s second goal.
MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 6
Made a key second half clearance when the Foxes were trying to find their way back into the game. Fairly comfortable afternoon for home defenders.
LISANDRO MARTINEZ – 7
Spent the first hour at centre half then showed his versatility by switching to left-back when Dalot was forced off.
DIOGO DALOT – 6
Did a steady job keeping the Foxes at bay but then taken off on the hour – presumably due to injury as United had to reshuffle their defence.
CASEMIRO – 7
Better from the veteran Brazilian who helped United take command of the game before getting the chance to put his feet up late on.
MANUEL UGARTE – 6
Great challenge on Soumare showed what he is all about and some signs he is finding his feet. Will be looking forward to arrival of former boss Amorim.
AMAD DIALLO – 7
Delightful backheel for Fernandes to curl home the opener and could have scored himself. The Ivorian has had a good week.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 8
Presented with a shirt to mark his 250th appearance before the game and will be getting more plaudits for his performance here. Involved in all three goals.
MARCUS RASHFORD – 5
Given the nod to start ahead of Garnacho but did not do enough to justify the faith of Van Nistelrooy. No surprise when he was replaced by the Argentine on the hour.
RASMUS HOJLUND – 5
A largely ineffective afternoon for the Danish forward before he was subbed late on. Nothing wrong with his work-rate but does he have the quality Amorim will want?
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