“Totally not true…” Ruud van Nistelrooy defends Manchester United star after 9.5/10 Leicester display

Ruud van Nistelrooy has defended one Manchester United star after he produced a 9.5/10 display against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup.

Manchester United powered through to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, defeating Leicester City 5-2 at Old Trafford in Ruud van Nistelrooy’s debut as interim manager.

With the club on the brink of appointing Rúben Amorim as head coach, there were concerns about distractions in the squad, but United dispelled any doubts in style. Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes each scored twice, with Alejandro Garnacho adding to the score also, showcasing United’s attacking prowess.

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Altay Bayındır’s performance saw him concede twice, but United remained firmly in control, bringing back a spark to their home crowd.

Van Nistelrooy strategically managed game time for several players, preparing the squad for Sunday’s crucial Premier League fixture against Chelsea.

Ruud defends Casemiro

After the game, Van Nistelrooy launched a staunch defence of Casemiro, the Brazilian international who had received much criticism after a loss against Liverpool earlier this season.

“I was delighted for Casemiro. The way he’s been training and helping the team, the club, it’s such an example,” he told MUTV.

“You also see the crowd’s reaction, and they know what he’s about. I’m delighted to have him around, and going through difficult moments, he got a lot of criticism after the Liverpool game. It’s so hard, he was almost the one to blame for that game and it’s not fair, he didn’t deserve that and it’s totally not true.

“If you see him train and prepare for games, with the history and all he’s achieved with five Champions Leagues, he’s an example for us, and that was part of my celebration – I was happy for him.”

A 9.5/10 display

Casemiro earned himself a 9.5/10 rating in our player ratings article following his double against Leicester City.

Beyond his two goals, he was brilliant defensively, made some fantastic passes, and was a commanding leader during which, in the build-up, was poised as a sombre event following Ten Hag’s sacking.

The only thing that stopped him from achieving that illustrious 10/10 rating was a header from a free-kick that he hit wide, which would have granted him his first hat trick at the club.

If Rúben Amorim was watching, Casemiro’s display was a fantastic audition for the incoming new head coach.

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