RUUD VAN NISTELROOY’S reign got off to a winning start as Manchester United beat Leicester 5-2 to reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

Suddenly, scoring goals looked easy as fans inside Old Trafford screamed “attack, attack, attack” during United’s first post-Erik ten Hag victory.

Casemiro scored an absolute worldie inside 15 minutes

Alejandro Garnacho doubled United’s lead

Casemiro hit his second of the night in the 39th minute

Fernandes made it 5-2 after Conor Coady drew one back for the visitors

Poor finishing was to blame for Sunday’s defeat to West Ham, which proved to be the final nail in Ten Hag’s coffin.

But United rediscovered their confidence in front of goal in Van Nistelrooy’s first game as interim manager.

It was just the Reds Devils’ fifth win in 15 matches this season, with the home crowd finally given something to cheer about.

As for this match, against a weakened Leicester side, here is how we rated the Manchester United players…

Altay Bayindir – 6

Despite United’s dominance, Bayindir was unsteady when Leicester had their opportunities.

A questionable punch from him caused the visiting team to score in the 33rd minute. Just before halftime, he attempted to replicate it with McAteer’s shot.

His markup is somewhat increased, though, by a superb second-half save that was pushed on to the crossbar as Steve Cooper’s team was applying pressure.

Victor Lindelof – 6

Hasn’t got the partnership with De Ligt established yet as they both failed to deal with crosses too often from centre-back.

But wasn’t really troubled consistently in the absence of Jamie Vardy in what was his second start of the season.

Matthijs De Ligt – 7

A more physical presence at the back than in previous performances but a more potent attack could have caused much more trouble.

Kasey McAteer got the better of him a few times and he was subbed in the 71st minute for Jonny Evans.

Lisandro Martinez – 6

Looked vulnerable at left-back in moments, with Lindelof filling in at centre-back.

James Justin often had acres of space in the second half before United made it 5-2.

Diogo Dalot – 6

He was instructed to push into midfield while back on his favorite right-hand side, but he frequently left his defensive channel uncovered.

In the first half, Justin was held onside and passed back far too frequently.

However, he picked up Casemiro’s incredible lofted ball and helped Garnacho’s first goal.

contributed to Leicester’s second goal as the ball ricocheted off him and fell to Coady, resulting in yet another careless goal for the home team.

Casemiro – 9

The star of the show. A stunning first-half showing saw Casemiro score a brace after bagging a 30-yard screamer for United’s opening goal inside 15 minutes.

He was involved in Garnacho’s goal too. Came up with a number of key defensive headers in the second-half to show class is permanent, although form might be temporary at 32 years old.

Manuel Ugarte – 6

Conceded early fouls but worked hard. Slowly but surely starting to get to grips with his United team-mates after a shaky start.

Bruno Fernandes – 8

Restored United’s 3-1 lead with his first finish of the season. Played with a smile on his face, which we often haven’t seen this season.

Dummied the ball for Casemiro’s worldie and scored his second of the evening in the 57th minute after rolling it under Danny Ward before tapping it into an empty net.

Will be leaned on heavily by Van Nistelrooy to produce the goods following Ten Hag’s departure.

Marcus Rashford – 6

A quiet evening for Rashford, who needs to kick on after Ten Hag’s exit.

The winger lost the ball a lot in the first 30 minutes. Flicks didn’t come off and hauled off again in the 60th minute.

Rashford’s only played a full 90 minutes THREE times this season.

Alejandro Garnacho – 7

A goal and assist for Garnacho, who attended the Ballon d’Or on Monday.

The 20-year-old doubled United’s lead inside 27 minutes after a well worked team move and set up Casemiro’s brilliant opener.

Looked a constant threat throughout and was taken off 20 minutes from time to be saved for Sunday’s clash against Chelsea.

Joshua Zirkzee – 4

Worked hard but never looked confident on the ball and struggled to get involved in the seven-goal thriller. Never seemed to be on his toes either.

But the only consolation is that he was involved in Casemiro’s second (United’s fourth).

Trudged off after 85 minutes looking disgruntled with his tail between his legs.

Subs

Amad (60′ for Rashford) – 7

Instant impact from the bench. The youngster almost scored an overhead kick with his first touch of the evening.

Mazraoui (60′ for Martinez) – 6
Hojlund (71′ for Garnacho) – 6
Jonny Evans (71′ for De Ligt) – 6
Ethan Wheatley (85′ for Zirkzee) – N/A