Van Nistelrooy shows Man Utd were right to sack Ten Hag

(Dan Tri) - Just three days after Erik Ten Hag was sacked, Man Utd had an impressive 5-2 victory over Leicester City. That proved that Man Utd was right to sack Erik Ten Hag.

Ruud van Nistelrooy, a name synonymous with goals for Man Utd, has made an impressive start to his time as caretaker manager. With 36 goals in his first season and 44 in his second as a player, Van Nistelrooy has continued to be productive for Man Utd, scoring five goals in his first game in charge.

The game was not just a victory, it was also a nostalgia trip as Van Nistelrooy was serenaded by the Stretford End. The chants of "Ruud" took the fans back to 2003, a happier time for the club. It was a welcome moment before Ruben Amorim's tenure could begin.

Van Nistelrooy celebrates after Man Utd scores (Photo: Getty).

Man Utd have had similar moments with interim managers Ryan Giggs, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick, all of whom brought a sense of well-being in short periods. Sir Alex Ferguson was also there, for the first time since announcing he would be losing his role as club ambassador, to see one of his former players take charge.

For recently sacked Erik ten Hag, this was a chance for United to prove that the decision to sack him was right. Under Van Nistelrooy, the team looked happier and more aggressive in attack. Their new-found confidence was evident when Amad Diallo almost scored with a spectacular overhead kick.

Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes were key players in the Red Devils' elimination of Leicester from the League Cup, suggesting they are still on the path to silverware this season. Ten Hag has said that their season would be a success if they won silverware, but he has failed to deliver that in the early stages of the season, while Van Nistelrooy's United look to be getting closer to that goal.

Van Nistelrooy, even though it was only a temporary appointment, made a strong impression. He arrived with the air of a manager, his smart dark jacket contrasting with Ten Hag's trademark waistcoat.

Man Utd have played more freely since Ten Hag left (Photo: Getty).

Casemiro scored the first goal of Van Nistelrooy's interim tenure, a stunning strike from 25 yards. Van Nistelrooy reacted with glee, perhaps there had been no goal as good as this in his playing career.

The game was a stark contrast to the bad days under Ten Hag, when gloom, tension and even bad luck haunted the team. Fernandes quickly scored two goals in his first game after Ten Hag left. VAR did not intervene and the complaints were with Leicester when Alejandro Garnacho scored the second.

Fernandes ended his goal drought with a fortunate free-kick and a classy finish. Casemiro also got his second, a well-timed run in and a neat finish after he himself headed Marcus Rashford's cross against the post.

Van Nistelrooy still kept the 4-2-3-1 formation of his predecessor, of course Man Utd has not really "transformed" when Altay Bayindir also conceded twice. Therefore, it is clear that Man Utd still needs to improve a lot more to be able to achieve big goals. However, it must be seen that Leicester played with enthusiasm, but Man Utd played with vitality and the victory was deserved for Van Nistelrooy's boys. That proves that Man Utd ending Ten Hag's work at Old Trafford is completely reasonable.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/van-nistelrooy-cho-thay-man-utd-dung-dan-khi-sa-thai-ten-hag-20241031093750326.htm