Ruud van Nistelrooy’s first game as interim manager ended with a perfect result, a goal frenzy at Old Trafford.
Manchester United’s 5-2 home win against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup moved the Red Devils a step closer to another trophy.
Yet arguably more poignantly, it kicked off the post-Erik ten Hag era, with Manchester United moving on after a disappointing season.
Two of the goals were scored by Bruno Fernandes, who had not managed to net a single strike all season under Erik ten Hag.
Bruno Fernandes leads the way
Bruno Fernandes’ goals were the perfect way to lift the mood, with the midfielder scoring in both halves of the 5-2 win.
The Portugal international was picked out as a man of the match on MUTV, via pundit Fraizer Campbell.
Asked to name his star man, Campbell commented: “Bruno Fernandes, he’s scored two goals today, I think he’s been super frustrated over the last few months.
“He’s an honest player. He’s the captain. So, for example, trying to do too much, and he was, he was getting caught up.
“I’m really pleased with his two goals today, even on his second goal, I think he was waiting to try and pass to Zirkzee, because he knows that, you know, he could do a goal himself.
“But I thought he played really well today.”
Fernandes’ first goal was lucky to be attributed to him. His free-kick was directed to one corner, before rebounding off James Justin’s head into the opposite one.
But this was exactly what it was going to need to break his drought, a real slice of luck.
Luck had been against Fernandes this season, who has hit the woodwork in goalless draws against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.
He was clearly lacking a little confidence. In the first half he had a chance to shoot on goal, and shied away from it, surrendering possession with a weak pass which was cut out.
His second goal was definitely his, with the Portugal midfielder possessing the confidence to dribble into the box and finish calmly.
This is a performance which Fernandes needed, and could set him on a goalscoring run, for new manager Ruben Amorim to enjoy.
Garnacho praised
Fraizer Campbell also reserved praise for Manchester United’s most ‘consistent’ player this season, youngster Alejandro Garnacho.
Garnacho scored United’s second goal of the night and is Manchester United’s leading goalscorer this season.
The former academy talent said: “Our players form has been a bit up and down, but he’s remained consistent. He’s been involved in goal scoring opportunities or goals like he was tonight, and he’s been a real threat.
“He’s super direct. He works really hard for the team, and you know, he’s a real asset for the club at the minute.”
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