‘Not true’ – Van Nistelrooy defends Manchester United star after man of the match performance

Manchester United caretaker manager Ruud van Nistelrooy launched a passionate defence of Casemiro after his best performance of the season in the Carabao Cup.

Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes largely stole the headlines on Wednesday night as Manchester United booked their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals following a 5-2 win over Leicester City at Old Trafford.

The Brazilian scored a brace as United beat Leicester City 5-2 to progress in the Carabao Cup.

United will face Tottenham Hotspur away in the next round.

Van Nistelrooy was put in charge of the team temporarily until Erik ten Hag’s successor is appointed. It looks like it could be Ruben Amorim and the caretaker boss made it no secret that he is willing to work with the Portuguese coach to help United.

Speaking to MUTV at full-time, Van Nistelrooy said: “I couldn’t ask for more. The first goal was unbelievable, top corner and a fantastic finish. Then was also some luck today, I have to say.

“We had luck on our side with the double post, coming back to Casemiro and the Bruno deflection, but delighted for him because the first one went in. Then you see more goals coming.

“So delighted for him as well. A good goal from Garna and a good assist from Diogo and what was the other one? Have I covered all five goals? It was a great night.”

Van Nistelrooy went on to single out Casemiro, adding: “I was delighted for Casemiro. The way he’s been training and helping the team, the club, it’s such an example.

“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.”

Man of the match: Casemiro

Casemiro opened the scoring with a world-class strike in the 15th minute. From 25 yards out, the former Real Madrid star showed incredible accuracy with his shot to find the top corner.

United had a 4-2 lead at half-time thanks to goals from Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes and another from Casemiro to complete a brace.

Fernandes made it 5-2 in the second half to seal the win.

However, it was Casemiro who took the man of the match award – voted by United fans on the official app.