Ruud van Nistelrooy [on Erik Ten Hag]: “He was the one that asked me to work back here again, and in the first conversation we had I felt such a passion and care for this football club. That is why I was so sad to see him go.” [MU]

Ruud van Nistelrooy inspired Manchester United to victory in his first match as interim boss following Erik ten Hag’s exit.

Ruud van Nistelrooy says he “couldn’t ask for more” from Manchester United as they marked his first match in interim charge with a 5-2 victory over Leicester City.

Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes both scored twice, while Alejandro Garnacho was also on target as the Red Devils booked their place in the EFL Cup quarter-finals, where they will play Tottenham.

Van Nistelrooy was overseeing United in their first match since Erik ten Hag’s dismissal on Monday, with Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim expected to be announced as the latter’s replacement.

“Credit to the players, they were fantastic today. I couldn’t ask for more,” he said.