Manchester United signed off their mini-spell under the management of Ruud van Nistelrooy in style as they hit Leicester City for three.
Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho, either side of a Viktor Kristiansen own goal, scored for a United side that are slowly but surely finding their swagger.
Ruben Amorim arrives to begin work as the new head coach on Monday and with many players fighting for spots, this was a more than impressive audition for many of them.
Mail Sport’s Nathan Salt was in position at Old Trafford to bring you his player ratings…
Bruno Fernandes (left) scored and had two assists as Manchester United defeated Leicester
It was a brilliant display to cap off Ruud van Nistelrooy’s interim spell in charge of Man United
MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1)
Andre Onana – 6
Made a crucial stop at 1-0 when one v one to deny Wilfried Ndidi after the midfielder snuck in behind the entire United back-line. Found himself over-ambitious at times trying a long ball over the top, which cheaply conceded possession.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7
Pre-assist for the second goal – which Bruno Fernandes thought marked his brace – and again looked bright down the left. A decision needs to be made as to whether he’s a left back or a right back. The chopping and changing is killing the change to forge relationships out on the pitch.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Ended up sliding out to left back once Jonny Evans came on but this was yet another really assured performance from the Argentine. When he had that extended spell out last season United really suffered for it so keeping him fit is vital – and Amorim will know that.
Matthjis de Ligt – 6.5
A straightforward afternoon for the Dutchman for the most part as he was recalled to the side after dropping out against PAOK. Went north of 90 per cent on accuracy when it came to his passing and that’s such a big strength when United need to play between the lines.
Matthjis de Ligt (left) and Lisandro Martinez (right) are seeing their partnership develop
Diogo Dalot switched off too often in his tussle down the left with Leicester’s Abdul Fatawu
Diogo Dalot – 5.5
Had a long afternoon dealing with Abdul Fatawu and was fortunate when Wilfried Ndidi fluffed his lines when one v one after he switched off. Does that too often and it makes life harder for him and everyone else. No surprise he was the first player hooked.
Casemiro – 6
One of the big beneficiaries of the managerial change. He has really improved in the Ruud van Nistelrooy era and looks to be playing with a freedom and a joy that had been missing in the final weeks of the Ten Hag era.
Manuel Ugarte – 6.5
Very unlikely to be producing show-stopping moments each week but with every passing game he continues to find his feet. Hard to escape the feeling he will be one who benefits most from the arrival of Ruben Amorim given their history together at Sporting.
Marcus Rashford – 5
Very quiet display after being preferred to Alejandro Garnacho down the left side. His decision making continues to puzzle and there were large spells of this game that totally passed him by. Went 2/4 on ‘successful dribbles’ and 0/3 on ‘accurate crosses’ before he was among the first taken off by Van Nistelrooy.
Bruno Fernandes – 8.5
All smiles beforehand as he was presented with a memento ahead of his 250th appearance and all smiles on it too with a man-of-the-match display. The captain curled in a beauty for the first goal and his thigh onto Viktor Kristiansen’s thigh caused the second. Make that four goals in four under Van Nistelrooy. He even added an assist for Alejandro Garnacho’s third.
Marcus Rashford was very quiet on an afternoon which seemed to pass him by in the end
Amad Diallo dazzled once more, after producing a man-of-the-match display during the week
Amad Diallo – 7.5
He is just a joy to watch. The most exciting player on the pitch, just as he was a few days ago against PAOK, and it continues to boggle the mind why he struggled to get meaningful minutes under Erik ten Hag. He produced a delightful back-heel assist for Fernandes’ goal.
Rasmus Hojlund – 5
Another frustrating afternoon for the Dane, which is becoming all too familiar for him. Just one shot and one touch in the Leicester area told the tale of a display to forget. He works hard and Amorim will know he has a lot to work with but he needs coaching properly to maximise his potential.
MANAGER: Ruud van Nistelrooy – 8
What a way to sign off. This four-game interim spell has surely given him the bug to return to management – even if he has made noises about wanting to stick around to help Ruben Amorim. He’s got a tune out of players who were seemingly disinterested under Ten Hag and for that he deserves credit.
SUBS
Alejandro Garnacho (for Marcus Rashford, 57) – 7
Jonny Evans (for Diogo Dalot, 57) – 7
Joshua Zirkzee (for Rasmus Hojlund, 75) – 5
Christian Eriksen (for Casemiro, 79)
Alejandro Garnacho came off the bench and got himself a goal in the closing stages here
Leicester City (4-2-3-1)
Hermansen 6; Kristiansen 4, Vestergaard 6, Faes 6.5, Justin 5 (McAteer 83); Soumaré 6, Winks 6.5; Fatawu 6.5, Ndidi 6 (El Khannouss 70), Buonanotte 7; Ayew 6 (Edouard 88)
Subs not used: Ward, Coady, Okoli, Mavididi, Choudhury, Skipp
Booked: Buonanotte
Manager: Steve Cooper 6
Referee: Peter Bankes 6
ATT: 73,829
