By 90min | Created at 2024-10-29 21:33:01 | Updated at 2024-11-05 16:25:34
1 week ago
Ruud van Nistelrooy is the man tasked with guiding Manchester United to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday evening as the Red Devils host Leicester City in the fourth round of the competition.
The iconic former Man Utd striker and club's assistant manager will take charge of the team on an interim basis following the sacking of Erik ten Hag on Monday, with Ruben Amorim of Sporting CP being lined up as the Red Devils' next permanent boss.
Van Nistelrooy's time in the dugout is likely to be brief but he will want to steady the ship at the very least, with Wednesday the perfect opportunity for Man Utd to bounce back from a dismal run of form.
Injuries continue to trouble the 13-time Premier League champions - especially in defence - and Van Nistelrooy is likely to make changes from Sunday's 2-1 defeat to West Ham United where possible.
Here is how Man Utd could line up at Old Trafford against the Foxes.
Eriksen has been in impressive form / Burak Kara/GettyImages
GK: Andre Onana - Onana has been one of Man Utd's most consistent performers this season after a challenging debut campaign in Manchester. He's caught the eye with some impressive double saves already.
RB: Diogo Dalot - How Dalot failed to score in Sunday's defeat is known only to him, with the Portuguese blazing over from close range with the goal empty. Despite his howler in the final third at the weekend, he's largely impressed this term.
CB: Matthijs de Ligt - Unfortunate to concede a decisive penalty against the Irons but has struggled to adapt to new surroundings at the beginning of his Man Utd career. Perhaps a new voice in the dugout can elevate his performance levels.
CB: Victor Lindelof - Injuries to Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire leave Man Utd short on centre-back options, while absentees at full-back have forced some creative set-ups in the backline. Lindelof could return to the starting XI on Wednesday as Van Nistelrooy rotates.
LB: Lisandro Martinez - With Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and now potentially Noussair Mazraoui sidelined, the diminutive Martinez may be asked to fill in at left-back again.
DM: Christian Eriksen - One of Man Utd's shining lights over a difficult few weeks, Eriksen has found top form at the right time. The 32-year-old could do with a rest after seven consecutive starts for club and country but injuries to Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo mean that's unlikely.
DM: Manuel Ugarte - Casemiro featured in the entirety of the West Ham defeat and even scored what appeared to be a late equaliser. However, Ugarte could return to offer some fresh legs in midfield and build some form after a poor start to his Old Trafford career.
RW: Amad Diallo - Antony is another absentee for the Red Devils but Amad likely would have started regardless on Wednesday. The Ivorian has shown glimpses of his quality this season but consistency remains his biggest hurdle.
AM: Bruno Fernandes - The skipper was one of the first to pay tribute to Ten Hag following the Dutchman's dismissal but the Portuguese has to evaluate his own performances, too. He's not the problem at Old Trafford but he hasn't always led by example.
LW: Marcus Rashford - Both Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho struggled against West Ham, with the England international still looking a shadow of his former self. He did grab two goals and an assist against Barnsley in the previous round, though.
ST: Joshua Zirkzee - The summer signing has failed to find the net since his debut goal against Fulham but has provided two assists in his last two outings from the bench. Van Nistelrooy needs to get his compatriot scoring soon.
