Manchester United interim coach Ruud van Nistelrooy admitted that Football is a cruel game and they had the rub of the green on their side after a 5-2 win against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup fourth round at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
After Erik Ten Hag’s sacking, Nistelrooy admitted it wasn’t easy for his players to deliver the goods. However, United was able to find the back of the net with captain Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro scoring a brace each. Alejandro Garnacho also scored for the home team in the 28th minute.
Nistelrooy said they created a lot of chances against Fenerbahce and West Ham but could not grab them.
Ruud van Nistelrooy said while talking to the official broadcasters, “I have to say the chances we created against Fenerbahce and West Ham, also I remember at Crystal Palace, we created so many bigger, better chances than today. We had the luck with the post and the deflection. Sometimes, it’s what you need. It makes football a cruel game sometimes. As I said, we created much better and bigger chances in past games than today so, hopefully, the luck has turned today and we can build on this victory.”
The Dutchman gave credit to the players and said they wanted to fight for the 75000 fans in the stadium after Ten Hag’s exit.
“As coaching staff, we prepared the players and I have to say they were fantastic today. Credit to the team, they pulled off a great performance today, after difficult moments. On the day it got announced, it was difficult for them and every one of us. Of course, when you have the manager is going, for us, as staff as well, so to react and play like this, it was a great achievement of the players. We promised to fight for the 75,000 fans and the millions at home watching and supporting United. For them, we wanted to show up, show this club is building and continuing to fight and never stop. That’s what it is about.”
United will next take on Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday.
