Manchester United secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Leicester City in a match that served as a winning send-off for interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, with Bruno Fernandes leading the charge. This final game before new head coach Ruben Amorim officially takes the reins on Monday was marked by positive energy at Old Trafford, as United demonstrated discipline and dynamism, setting an optimistic tone for Amorim’s era.

A Promising Spell Under Van Nistelrooy

In his four-game stint as interim manager, Van Nistelrooy achieved three wins, giving him a short-lived but impressive 75% win rate—the best in United’s history, albeit from a small sample. His tenure, though brief, accomplished the goal: steadying the team, bringing enthusiasm back to the fans, and creating a foundation for Amorim to build upon. Van Nistelrooy’s impact on the players and fans alike has been unmistakable, as he provided stability in a transitional period and revived the club’s form.

Having all four games at Old Trafford helped Van Nistelrooy’s mission, but his influence extended beyond the results. United fans saw a confident team that minimized mistakes, a positive shift from the inconsistencies of Erik ten Hag’s final games. As Amorim steps in, Van Nistelrooy leaves a squad on a strong footing, perhaps setting himself up for a continued role on the coaching staff or even a managerial role elsewhere.

Fernandes’ Renewed Influence

A standout performer during Van Nistelrooy’s stint, Fernandes scored four goals in four games, a sharp contrast to his final 17 scoreless appearances under Ten Hag. The United captain marked his 250th game by surpassing Eric Cantona in United’s all-time scoring list, reminding fans of his lasting importance to the team since his arrival. Fernandes was crucial in this win, opening the scoring and then applying pressure that led to a Leicester own goal. Alejandro Garnacho added a third with an excellent finish to cap off a satisfying team performance.

With Amorim rumored to favor a 3-4-3 formation, there are questions about how Fernandes will fit into a lineup with fewer forward spots. But his recent form and leadership make it almost certain he’ll remain central to United’s plans. As Amorim’s tenure begins, Fernandes’ versatility and impact are bound to be key assets in shaping the club’s strategy and identity.

This decisive win, with fans energized and expectations high, marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Manchester United under Amorim’s leadership.