Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes delivered a stellar performance on Sunday, scoring one goal and setting up two more in a 3-0 Premier League victory over Leicester City at Old Trafford.
The game served as a triumphant send-off for interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy in his final match in charge.
United’s victory marks their fourth consecutive unbeaten match under Van Nistelrooy, who stepped in after Erik ten Hag was sacked on October 28. The win lifts United to 13th in the league table with 15 points, four shy of the top three. Leicester remains in 15th place on 10 points.
Fernandes, who had endured a 17-match goal drought under Ten Hag, celebrated his 250th United appearance by opening the scoring in the 17th minute. The Portuguese star connected with a back-heel pass from Amad Diallo before firing a precise low shot into the far corner. It was his fourth goal in as many games under Van Nistelrooy.
“It was a long time that I wasn’t scoring and now goals are coming in the last few games,” Fernandes said.
“Another clean sheet was important for us to bring back the fortress we had here. We have to keep doing that and we have to improve.”
The second goal came in the 38th minute, credited to Leicester’s Victor Kristiansen after a mix-up in the box. Fernandes missed a header from Noussair Mazraoui’s cross, but the ball ricocheted off his thigh and deflected off Kristiansen into the net.
In the 82nd minute, Alejandro Garnacho sealed the win with a spectacular curling shot from just outside the box. Fernandes, who assisted the goal, encouraged the 20-year-old to celebrate.
“Garnacho scored a banger but didn’t celebrate like he should because he thinks he has lost faith from some fans,” Fernandes said. “I told him people will always moan but lots of people like you and enjoy what you do.”
The crowd at Old Trafford showed their appreciation for Van Nistelrooy, chanting his name during the final moments. Van Nistelrooy, who expressed his desire to remain with the club, urged fans to support incoming manager Ruben Amorim, who takes charge on Monday.
“I absolutely believe this club has all the ingredients to get back to the levels I knew as a player,” Van Nistelrooy wrote in the matchday program. “From tomorrow, I will be getting behind our new head coach, Ruben Amorim, and I urge everyone who loves the club to do the same.”
Leicester manager Steve Cooper acknowledged his side’s struggles, saying, “We had good phases in the game but you have to be productive at both ends of the pitch. We weren’t the threat we are capable of being, we fell short.”
As the rain poured in the second half, United’s dominance continued, extending their strong record against the Foxes with just two losses in their last 18 Premier League encounters.
