Ruud van Nistelrooy enjoys moment in sun but United’s future remains hazy | Will Unwin
Erik ten Hag might have had a point when he said that Manchester United wasn't getting any luck toward the end of his time as manager. Decisions from VAR seemed to go against his team in the match against West Ham, while they didn’t get support from it during the game with Leicester. Meanwhile, some lucky bounces and hits off the goalpost seemed to benefit the other team. However, on Wednesday, luck was on United's side. Despite this small win, the team is currently in a state of uncertainty and needs to figure out what its next steps will be.
For quite a while, it was obvious that a transformation was necessary to boost spirits, and United knows what it's like to bring in a legendary figure to rejuvenate a struggling team desperate to stay afloat. The fans had sensed for some time that Ten Hag wasn't the right fit; even when they managed to win, it often felt more like a temporary fix rather than a real solution to their problems. However, at least the win against Leicester provided some relief.
With Ruud van Nistelrooy coaching from the sidelines, there was a noticeable buzz both among the players and in the crowd. The ex-Manchester United forward emerged from the tunnel before the match, pumping his fist and encouraging the fans to make some noise, which they happily did. No matter what unfolds in the next few days, it’s improbable that he will take a long-term position like Ole Gunnar Solskjær did. Van Nistelrooy is more like the beloved substitute teacher who brings out a guitar while trying to stick closely to the lesson plan laid out by Ten Hag.
It's kind to suggest that anyone entering Old Trafford felt hopeful, considering the ongoing struggles have persisted for a long time. However, there seems to be a sense of renewed possibility. The thought of a young coach stepping in to fix years of problems is encouraging, but Manchester United has experienced many false hopes since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013. While fans awaited news on whether Rúben Amorim would accept the position and join the ranks of those taking on one of the most closely watched roles in football, there was still a match to be won.
For the revitalized Van Nistelrooy, the main goal was to bring back some enjoyment for fans who have endured a lot of disappointment lately. This match was a low-stakes opportunity for United and their temporary coach, going up against a weakened Leicester team. The game was entertaining, even if it wasn’t quite flawless, and it propelled them into the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup. While Ten Hag frequently talked about claiming two major trophies within two seasons, this tournament appears to be United’s most promising chance to secure some silverware, a goal that has become an annual expectation.
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Matches are set to take place during the week starting December 16th.
Casemiro scored a stunning long-range goal that hit the crossbar and went in from 30 yards out. Alejandro Garnacho found the net after Diogo Dalot was given a marginal call by the assistant referee, who allowed play to continue despite a possible offside. Bruno Fernandes took a free-kick that caught Danny Ward off guard following a header from James Justin. Casemiro capitalized on a scramble, scoring after his initial header bounced off both posts and returned to him. Fernandes then added his fifth goal by seizing on a terrible back-pass from a Leicester player. Ten Hag had been hoping for some of that good fortune.
The match felt like a casual friendly played in the middle of the season. Leicester used the opportunity to give playing time to their substitutes, while United seemed to be in a state of uncertainty, holding off until they know if a new coach will implement a 3-4-3 formation. Van Nistelrooy made some adjustments to the squad rather than completely redoing it, so the lineup resembled what his predecessor had been using without success over the last few months.
The main distinction for the United players was their noticeable ease on the field. They showed a stronger desire to take risks with their passing, moved with more urgency, and, most importantly, capitalized on their chances to pull ahead convincingly. The two goals they allowed were due to crosses that they failed to defend, which is an ongoing issue that the next manager will need to address. However, it was refreshing to see them compensate for their defensive shortcomings by performing well in the opponent's penalty area.
The win was certainly celebrated, with fans chanting “Ruuuuuuuuud” at the final whistle. However, the overall mood was somewhat subdued as supporters pondered what lies ahead. The upcoming match against Chelsea on Sunday poses a significantly tougher challenge compared to beating the second-string players of a team facing relegation. United will need to step up their game for this match, as Cole Palmer and his teammates will apply much more pressure and won't be as generous defensively.
As discussions move forward regarding Amorim’s notice period, this outcome will likely motivate United's leadership to invest in bringing him in quickly. This will help the team move on from past issues and start a new chapter. While Van Nistelrooy provided some temporary relief with a more relaxed approach for the players and delighted fans with five goals, it’s evident that the team needs a lasting change in strategy. They require someone who can establish a clear identity that fans can connect with and support.
