United’s Interim Boss Highlights “Lucky Breaks” and Praises Casemiro’s Standout Performance in First Match in Charge
Manchester United’s interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy admitted that luck played a key role in United’s 5-2 win over Leicester City in their EFL Cup last-16 clash, though he emphasized that the team had earned every bit of it. The victory, in his first game in temporary charge, saw Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes each score twice, while Alejandro Garnacho netted his fifth goal of the season.
United’s goals were not without moments of fortune. Fernandes’ first strike came from a deflection, Casemiro’s second was a fortunate rebound, and Garnacho’s goal would likely have been ruled offside if VAR were available. Still, Casemiro’s opening goal was a spectacular long-range strike, and Van Nistelrooy expressed pride in the Brazilian’s resilience after a challenging start to the season.
“We scored some great goals,” Van Nistelrooy told Sky Sports. “The first one was an absolute beauty from Casemiro. I have to also say that we had some luck as well, with the deflections and rebounds going our way. Five goals is fantastic, but we’ve created so many chances in recent games, so we deserved a night like this.”
The Dutchman had special praise for Casemiro, whose performance he described as exemplary, both on and off the pitch. “I was delighted for Casemiro,” Van Nistelrooy shared. “The way he’s been training and helping the team has been incredible. He’s such an example. He took a lot of criticism earlier in the season, but he delivered a stunning goal tonight—top corner. It’s fantastic to have him around.”
Despite a strong showing, Van Nistelrooy downplayed speculation about his long-term future with the club but promised to give his all in whatever capacity he’s needed. “I’m here to help and to give my everything for United in any way I can,” he affirmed.
On the opposing side, Leicester’s Steve Cooper acknowledged United’s quality but argued the scoreline didn’t reflect the match, especially Leicester’s dominant second-half performance. “Casemiro’s brilliance, a deflection, and a call that went against us—it added up,” Cooper said. “The score doesn’t tell the full story. We were the stronger side after halftime.”
Manchester United’s cup run will continue in the quarter-finals against Tottenham Hotspur, scheduled for the third week of December.
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