Ruud van Nistelrooy has named his inaugural starting line-up as the new interim boss of Manchester United for their Carabao Cup showdown against Leicester at Old Trafford.
Van Nistelrooy took over from Erik ten Hag after the Dutchman was sacked earlier this week. And the former United striker has rung the changes for the clash against the Foxes.
Stepping out on the pitch will be Bayindir; Dalot, De Ligt, Lindelof, Martinez; Casemiro, Ugarte, Fernandes; Rashford, Zirkzee, Garnacho. The interim boss has made four swaps from Ten Hag’s last game against West Ham.
Altay Bayindir starts between the sticks, with Victor Lindelof bolstering the defence. Manuel Ugarte returns to the United midfielder and striker Joshua Zirkzee has been named up top, effectively benching Andre Onana, Noussair Mazraoui, Christian Eriksen, and Rasmus Hojlund, reports the Mirror.
Prior to the game, Van Nistelrooy revealed: “I take great pride in that I can bring the club forward, even in a short period of time. We want to get a lot of the ball, attack and try to give the fans a good night.”
(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
He also praised Zirkzee, remarking: “Josh, his last two games he got two assists and he can build on his qualities and on those performances.”
It also looks like Van Nistelrooy is set to be in charge for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Chelsea too, having been slated for upcoming pre-match press sessions while the club waits to confirm Ruben Amorim.
Penning down his thoughts for tonight’s match programme, Van Nistelrooy confessed: “I am writing these notes with a huge amount of mixed emotions.”
(Image: MUTV.)
“Erik ten Hag brought me back to Manchester United in the summer and, while I have only been part of the coaching staff here for a few months, I will always be grateful to him for giving me the opportunity. I am saddened to see him leave.”
“Even on an interim basis, it is a great honour to manage the club I love for however long I am asked to do so. I can promise that I will continue to give my all, in whatever capacity, to try to turn around our fortunes.”
Leicester City’s XI for the fourth round clash is: Ward; Justin, Coady, Okoli, Thomas; El Khannouss, Skipp, Soumare; McAteer, De Cordova-Reid, Ayew.