MANCHESTER: Ruud van Nistelrooy enjoyed a winning start as interim Manchester United manager, defeating Leicester 5-2 to reach the League Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday as Manchester City crashed out 2-1 to Tottenham. Arsenal and Liverpool were among the other teams to book their place in the last eight, but Chelsea were beaten 2-0 at Newcastle.
A United legend as a player, Van Nistelrooy stepped into the role of caretaker manager after the Red Devils sacked Erik ten Hag on Monday following a poor start to the season. Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim is the man United are targeting to take over; however, they are still negotiating with the Portuguese champions to agree on compensation for the 39-year-old.
According to reports in Portugal, Amorim will remain at Sporting for the next three matches before completing his move during the November international break.
"I came here as an assistant to help the club. I'm helping as long as I'm needed, and in the future, in any capacity, I'm here to help the club build towards the future," said Van Nistelrooy.
"The reaction of the players was excellent. They deserve the credit for a good win, and I'm happy the crowd goes home with a nice night of football."
The Dutchman stated before the game that United "can be unstoppable" when "players, staff, and supporters pull together." United delivered on that promise, scoring four times in a thrilling first half.
Casemiro’s stunning strike into the top corner opened the scoring, followed by Alejandro Garnacho sweeping home Diogo Dalot’s cross to the delight of Van Nistelrooy on the touchline. Bilal El Khannouss quickly pulled a goal back for the much-changed Foxes, but Bruno Fernandes' deflected free-kick restored United's two-goal cushion. Casemiro then slammed home his third goal in two games.
Conor Coady managed a consolation goal for Leicester, but United were not to be denied just a second win in nine games. Fernandes rounded off the scoring by pouncing on a short back-pass, rounding Danny Ward, and slotting home.
United’s reward is a trip to Tottenham in the last eight after they eliminated a City side lacking Erling Haaland.
Gakpo leads Liverpool
Cody Gakpo was the match-winner for Liverpool in a 3-2 victory at Brighton, continuing Arne Slot's promising start with the Reds. Although Gakpo has not scored in the Premier League or Champions League this season, he now has four goals in two League Cup games. The Dutch international was clinical, scoring twice with powerful finishes as he cut inside onto his right foot from the left wing. Luis Diaz also found the net for Liverpool, while Simon Adingra and Tariq Lamptey scored late on for Brighton. Liverpool will face Southampton in December's quarterfinals.
Teenager Ethan Nwaneri impressed with a sensational strike as Arsenal eased to a 3-0 win at Championship side Preston, with Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz also scoring for the Gunners. Arsenal are set to host Crystal Palace, who beat Aston Villa 2-1, in the quarterfinals.
Newcastle avenged their Premier League loss to Chelsea over the weekend, easing the pressure on manager Eddie Howe. The Saudi-backed Magpies are winless in five in the league but are eager to end a 55-year wait for a major trophy. Alexander Isak's goal and an Axel Disasi own goal within three first-half minutes proved decisive at St James' Park. Newcastle will look to secure a semi-final spot with a home draw against Brentford. — AFP
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