Casemiro will steal the headlines but 75-touch Man Utd teammate had his best game yet vs Leicester City

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The good feeling around Old Trafford is back after a five-star Manchester United display against Leicester City.

Ruud van Nistelrooy led out Manchester United for the first and potentially penultimate time on Wednesday night.

Once a deadly striker for the Red Devils, Van Nistelrooy completed a full-circle journey to mastermind a return to form for United after Erik ten Hag was sacked on Monday.

United beat Leicester 5-2 in the Carabao Cup fourth round, securing a quarter-final date with Spurs in the process.

There were several star performers for United with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes both grabbing a brace, and the brilliant Alejandro Garnacho scoring one and assisting one.

But there was one player who played his best game of the season to date and deserves praise.

• READ: Who is Ruud van Nistelrooy? Inside the life of Man Utd legend, including his PSV management and coaching career

Manuel Ugarte shines in Ruud van Nistelrooy’s first game in charge

Since making a £42m summer move from PSG, things have not gone smoothly for Manuel Ugarte, with Ten Hag not keen on using the Uruguayan.

Ugarte was used sparingly in the opening weeks of his United career, with the now-former manager opting for Casemiro or Christian Eriksen instead.

However, with Ruben Amorim set to be the new United manager at some point very soon – Ugarte could soon see his role evolve considering the relationship he has with Amorim.

Last week against Porto, both Owen Hargreaves and Paul Scholes agreed that Ugarte had his best performance yet for United.

But against Leicester, he may have even outdone himself – demonstrating his best level and talents against Premier League opponents.

• READ: Who is Manuel Ugarte? Everything you need to know on Uruguay midfielder

Ugarte has his best performance yet for Manchester United

It may be a coincidence, but Ugarte coming to life in a United shirt has coincided with Ten Hag’s sacking – as the Uruguayan thrived in the system implemented by Van Nistelrooy on Wednesday.

Ugarte is set to be among the main benefactors from Amorim’s arrival, and against Leicester he laid down a statement performance as the more defensive midfielder alongside Casemiro.

• 52/58 passes completed (90%)
• 2/3 long balls completed (67%)
• 75 touches
• 8 passes into final third
• 3/4 tackles won (75%)
• 1 clearance
• 2 interceptions
• 8 defensive actions
• 9 recoveries
• 6 duels won

The 23-year-old was an imposing figure in midfield, dominating the Foxes in defence and also looked increasingly confident on the ball.

As a midfielder, Ugarte is not flashy and will not grab a brace like Casemiro did – however, it is hard to argue with the display he put in as it was the best we’ve seen from the No.25 in red.