Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes played a pivotal role in his team’s emphatic 3-0 Premier League victory over Leicester City on Sunday, marking a fitting farewell for Ruud van Nistelrooy in his final game as interim manager.
Since Erik ten Hag’s dismissal on October 28, United have secured three wins and a draw under Van Nistelrooy, placing them 13th in the league with 15 points, four points shy of the top three. Leicester currently sit 15th with 10 points.
Fernandes, who had gone 17 matches without scoring under Ten Hag, celebrated his 250th appearance for the club with a goal in the 17th minute, thanks to a clever back-heel assist from Amad Diallo. It marked Fernandes’ fourth goal in as many games under Van Nistelrooy.
“I hadn’t been scoring for a long time, but now the goals are coming,” Fernandes said. “Another clean sheet is important for us to rebuild our home fortress. We need to keep that up and continue improving.”
United’s second goal came in the 38th minute when Leicester defender Victor Kristiansen deflected the ball into his own net after Fernandes missed a header from a cross by Noussair Mazraoui. Alejandro Garnacho sealed the win with United’s third goal in the 82nd minute, curling a shot into the top corner after being set up by Fernandes.
The Old Trafford crowd chanted Van Nistelrooy’s name as the game came to a close. Ruben Amorim, Van Nistelrooy’s successor from Sporting, is set to take over as United’s permanent manager on Monday, with his debut game scheduled for November 24 against Ipswich Town. Van Nistelrooy’s future at United remains uncertain, although he has expressed a desire to stay on the staff.
“I truly believe this club has everything needed to return to the level I experienced as a player,” Van Nistelrooy wrote in the match programme. “Starting tomorrow, I will fully support our new head coach, Ruben Amorim, and I urge everyone who loves this club to do the same.”
Fernandes spoke warmly about the interim manager: “Ruud van Nistelrooy embodies the spirit of the club. He brought joy to the team and encouraged us to play with smiles. We wanted to send him off properly because he did so much for us.”
Acknowledging the upcoming changes, Fernandes said: “A new era with a new manager brings change, but what stays the same is this club’s ambition to return to its rightful place.”
The match, which saw deteriorating weather in the second half, included a notable attempt from Jordan Ayew, whose near-post shot was tipped wide by United’s goalkeeper. United have now lost only two of their last 18 Premier League matches against Leicester.
