Ruud van Nistelrooy made a winning start in his interim manager role as Manchester United thrashed Leicester City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
Van Nistelrooy joined Erik ten Hag’s backroom staff as one of his assistant coaches this summer.
After Ten Hag’s dismissal, everyone was keen to see how the legendary former striker would shape the starting line-up.
Nistelrooy’s starting XI mirrored the tactical approach of the former United manager.
Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho started on the wings, with the latter continuing in his favoured left-wing spot.
The United fans have criticised Ten Hag for not backing Amad Diallo.
Diallo started a few games at the start of the season but has seen very limited game time over the last four weeks.
Nistelrooy continued with Ten Hag’s choice and introduced the 22-year-old after the hour mark.
United have played almost the entire 2024 without a specialist left-back due to long-term injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
Harry Amass is a top talent who has earned plaudits at the youth level since his transfer from Watford in 2023.
The 17-year-old is an attacking left-back by trade who loves contributing in the final third.
The fans have been baffled by Amass’ exclusion even though he impressed on the pre-season tour to the United States.
Van Nistelrooy started Lisandro Martinez at left-back and brought on Noussair Mazraoui in the second half.
Amass was named on the bench but was an unused substitute.
Ten Hag believed the academy starlet still needs time to develop physically to compete at the highest level.
Van Nistelrooy’s team selection echoed this sentiment, indicating he was aligned with the former United manager on these two controversial decisions.
