Ruud van Nistelrooy’s stint as interim manager for Manchester United concluded on a high note, as the Red Devils defeated Leicester City 3-0 on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League.
This decisive win caps a promising run, positioning incoming head coach Ruben Amorim with a team that has now won three out of their last four matches.
A strong first-half display saw Bruno Fernandes open the scoring with a precise finish, while a stroke of bad luck for Leicester’s Victor Kristiansen extended United’s lead. Alejandro Garnacho’s stunning goal in the second half ensured all three points remained at Old Trafford.
Just days earlier, United had celebrated a thrilling 5-2 Carabao Cup victory against a rotated Leicester squad, fueling a sense of anticipation among the Old Trafford faithful.
Their excitement paid off quickly in the league encounter, as Fernandes found the net in the 17th minute.
The goal began with Amad Diallo’s slick back-heel pass—highlighting his midweek form—which set up United’s captain. From the edge of the box, Fernandes delivered a composed, curling shot past Mads Hermansen, putting United in the driver’s seat.
Leicester, despite missing their experienced striker Jamie Vardy, posed a counter-attacking threat, with Abdul Fatawu frequently testing Diogo Dalot on United’s right flank.
Wilfred Ndidi came closest to scoring for the visitors in the first half when he broke free in the middle and unleashed a low shot, only to be thwarted by United’s goalkeeper, Andre Onana.
As the first half neared its end, a stroke of fortune saw United double their lead. Attempting to clear a cross from Noussair Mazraoui, Fernandes inadvertently misfired the ball, which deflected off Kristiansen and slipped past Hermansen at the far post, gifting United a two-goal cushion.
Right before the halftime whistle, Amad nearly put the game beyond reach with a sensational solo run through Leicester’s defense.
The Ivorian danced past multiple defenders and fired a shot that seemed destined for the net, but Hermansen managed to divert the ball with a quick leg save, keeping Leicester’s faint hopes alive.
The second half unfolded at a slower pace, as United, comfortably in control, shifted into a more conservative rhythm, maintaining possession to keep Leicester at bay.
Although the visitors managed sporadic attacks, United’s defense calmly neutralized them.
Leicester’s best chance in the latter stages came when Jordan Ayew maneuvered inside the box and launched a powerful shot toward Onana’s near post, but the United keeper was sharp, stretching to push the effort wide.
United’s third goal came as the only real spark in a subdued half. Fernandes played in substitute Garnacho on the edge of the area, and the Argentine starlet delivered a brilliant finish, cutting inside and curling an unstoppable shot into the far top corner to seal the result.
With a comfortable lead and Leicester unable to respond, United coasted to victory, boosting morale just in time for Amorim to take the reins following the November international break.
