Bruno Fernandes celebrated his 250th Manchester United appearance in style, orchestrating a commanding 3-0 victory over Leicester as Ruud van Nistelrooy concluded his interim tenure on a high note.
The Portuguese captain, presented with a commemorative framed shirt by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe before kick-off, opened the scoring with a precise low drive following Amad Diallo’s assist. His influence continued as United doubled their lead through a Victor Kristiansen own goal, though Fernandes staked his claim for the strike after the ball deflected off his thigh.
Van Nistelrooy, who expressed his love for the club in his programme notes, guided United to their third win in four matches since Erik ten Hag’s dismissal. The former United striker’s brief but effective stint sets a positive foundation for incoming manager Ruben Amorim, who arrives from Sporting on Monday pending visa clearance.
Leicester will rue missed opportunities, particularly Wilfred Ndidi’s golden chance when clean through on Andre Onana during a period of sustained pressure. Their wastefulness was punished when Alejandro Garnacho, having replaced an ineffective Marcus Rashford, curled home United’s third from Fernandes’ precise pass to complete the visitors’ heaviest league defeat this season.
Fernandes’ resurgence has been notable, with four goals in as many games following his public apology to Ten Hag for underperforming earlier in the season. The result, while keeping United in the bottom half, represents their best form of the campaign as they prepare for Amorim’s first match at Ipswich on November 24.
The Old Trafford faithful showed their appreciation for Van Nistelrooy at the final whistle, though uncertainty remains about whether the club’s former striker, who netted 150 goals during his playing career at United, will feature in Amorim’s backroom staff.
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