Ruud van Nistelrooy concluded his interim management of Manchester United with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Leicester City Sunday, handing incoming head coach Ruben Amorim a team that has won three of its last four matches.
Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring in the 17th minute, curling home precisely from the edge of the area after Amad Diallo’s clever backheel. United’s advantage doubled through Victor Kristiansen’s own goal six minutes before halftime when Noussair Mazraoui’s cross deflected off Fernandes and then the Leicester defender past goalkeeper Mads Hermansen.
Alejandro Garnacho provided the highlight of a subdued second half, cutting inside to whip an exceptional curling shot into the far corner to seal the victory. The win marks United’s third in four games as they prepare for Amorim’s arrival after the international break.
Leicester, playing without injured striker Jamie Vardy, showed occasional threat on the counter-attack through Abdul Fatawu’s battles with Diogo Dalot. Wilfred Ndidi squandered their clearest opportunity, producing only a tame shot when clean through on Andre Onana, while Jordan Ayew forced a late save from the United goalkeeper.
Fernandes earned player of the match honors for his goal and overall influence, nearly setting up a third before halftime when his pass found Amad, whose shot was saved by Hermansen’s outstretched leg.
“This gives us momentum heading into the new era,” Fernandes told reporters. “We’re playing with confidence and creating chances, which is what the manager wanted to see.”
