Manchester United vs Leicester City EFL Cup Report

Scorers: Casemiro 15’, 39’, Garnacho 28’, Fernandes 36’, 59’; El Khannouss 33’, Coady 45+3’

Van Nistelrooy Wins First Game as Interim Manager with Convincing Carabao Cup Victory

Manchester United stormed into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, defeating Leicester City 5-2 in an exhilarating clash at Old Trafford.

With Ruud van Nistelrooy taking charge as interim manager after Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, United’s attacking display brought a new sense of freedom and optimism. Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro each scored twice in a performance that showed glimpses of a revitalised United.

First Half: United Dominate with Early Goals

United were quick off the mark in their first game since ten Hag’s departure, with Casemiro opening the scoring in the 15th minute.

Receiving the ball from Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro struck a sensational 30-yard drive that flew into the top corner, setting the tone for an energetic United performance.

Van Nistelrooy’s side doubled their lead soon after as Casemiro’s clever pass down the line found Diogo Dalot, who crossed for Alejandro Garnacho to fire into the roof of the net.

Leicester fought back, pulling one back through Bilal El Khannous, who struck from distance following a fumbled clearance by United’s backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.

But United didn’t let up, with Fernandes regaining the two-goal advantage in the 36th minute via a deflected free-kick off James Justin. Casemiro continued his dominance, hitting both posts with a header before slotting in the rebound to put United 4-1 up by the 39th minute.

Despite their deficit, Leicester struck again on the stroke of halftime as Conor Coady converted after Casemiro’s clearance ricocheted off Dalot, leaving the score at 4-2 heading into the break.

Second Half: Fernandes Seals the Win

The Foxes pushed for a way back into the game early in the second half, but United held firm. Fernandes capitalised on a wayward back pass from Caleb Okoli in the 59th minute, rounding goalkeeper Danny Ward to score United’s fifth goal of the night.

United could have extended their lead further, with Amad Diallo’s overhead kick going inches wide and Bayindir tipping a late Soumare shot against the crossbar.

Conclusion

Van Nistelrooy’s debut as interim manager saw United secure a convincing 5-2 victory over Leicester, showing the attacking freedom that had been missing under ten Hag.

The win send’s United into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, while Fernandes and Casemiro’s standout performances underscored the squad’s untapped potential.

As United look to stabilise following a turbulent start to the season, this victory serves as a positive step forward under Van Nistelrooy’s temporary leadership.

You can find more information on all games in this competition here:

Carabao Cup draw, Final date, results, fixtures, stats, rules – The English Football League