Ruud van Nistelrooy makes feelings clear over Man Utd job in first game in charge
Ruud van Nistelrooy enjoyed a winning start to life as Manchester United manager, with the Red Devils delivering on his pre-match promise of "lots of attacks" as they beat Leicester 5-2
by Matthew Cooper · The MirrorInterim Manchester United manager Ruud van Nistelrooy was clearly proud to take charge of the Red Devils as they beat Leicester in the Carabao Cup.
Van Nistelrooy has been placed in charge after Erik ten Hag was sacked on Monday following a dismal start to the season and the Dutchman received a warm reception from the Old Trafford faithful.
As a player, Van Nistelrooy won the Premier League, FA Cup and the League Cup during five seasons at United and his passion for the club shone through as he went over to the fans ahead of kick-off to pump them up.
"It's mixed feelings – sad to see Erik go," Van Nistelrooy told Sky Sports in a pre-match interview. "He was the one who got me here. Our first conversation was about his passion for Man Utd. He did everything for this club.
"I'm asked to help the club – that's the reason I'm here, to help, to build. That's where I take pride in leading the team today. We are to stabilise and go out for training and get to work. The team talk was about the opponent and ourselves, what it is about to play at Old Trafford in front of these wonderful fans."
And Van Nistelrooy celebrated each of United's goals animatedly, with Casemiro giving them an early lead with a stunning long-range strike. United went on to win the game 5-2, with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes both netting a brace while Alejandro Garnacho was also on target.
Bilal El Khanouss and Conor Coady did score for Leicester, but it was not enough for Steve Cooper's men as they succumbed to a United side that delivered on Van Nistelrooy's pre-match promise of "lots of attacks".
"We had to stabilise and go out for training, get back to work and bring them in today for a team talk about our opponents and especially ourselves," Van Nistelrooy explained. "What it's about to play at Old Trafford in front of these wonderful fans, who always support us.
"We want to give them a great night of football with possession and lots of attacks. That is what Manchester United is about, I tried to share that with the players and get them ready for game."
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