Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes scored two goals apiece as Manchester United eased into the Carabao Cup quarterfinals with a breathless 5-2 victory over Leicester City on Wednesday, their first game since the sacking of manager Erik ten Hag.
United’s interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy had promised excitement and goals in his first match in charge, and his players did not disappoint.
Casemiro opened the scoring in the 15th minute when he lashed a strike from 20 yards into the top corner and Alejandro Garnacho doubled the lead when he rifled a shot into the roof of the net from Diogo Dalot‘s cross.
“I have to say we had some luck as well, I am so happy for Casemiro though and Garnacho and Bruno [Fernandes],” Van Nistelrooy told Sky Spots.
“Five goals but the chances against West Ham and Fenerbahce, we created so much and couldn’t finish. All of a sudden we had some luck on our side and that made it a great night.”
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Leicester’s Bilal El Khannouss pulled a goal back, but Fernandes restored United’s two-goal lead when his free kick struck a player in the wall and went into the net.
“It’s his first one after a long time, I’m so happy for him, he’s on the scoresheet twice, with a good finish in the second half,” Van Nistelrooy said of his captain.
On a night when delighted home fans yelled “Shoot!” every time a United player was anywhere near Leicester’s net, Casemiro completed his brace in the 39th minute when he headed the ball against the post before smashing in the rebound.
Conor Coady pulled one back for Leicester in first-half stoppage time, but the visitors’ hopes were short-lived as Fernandes latched on to a back pass, dribbled around the keeper and scored his second in the 59th minute.
The score could have been even more lop-sided as United’s trio of goalscorers all had narrow misses, and Amad Diallo had the fans gasping when he sent a second-half bicycle kick sailing just wide of the goal.
United fans sang Van Nistelrooy’s name when he approached the Stretford End to applaud their efforts after the final whistle.
“It is always the target to react and attack,” Van Nistelrooy added. “The reaction of players after the Leicester goals were excellent and they deserve the credit. I am glad the crowd go home happy.”
Ten Hag was fired on Monday with the team languishing 14th in the Premier League standings, just one spot and two points ahead of Leicester.
United are six-times League Cup winners, most recently lifting the trophy in 2022-23 with Ten Hag at the helm.
They resume their Premier League campaign at home to Chelsea on Sunday.
