Man Utd send big statement to Ruben Amorim but same problem remains - 5 talking points

Ruben Amorim was likely focusing on his final Sporting match against Braga this evening, but the incoming boss would have enjoyed what took place at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon as signed off in style.

After a miserable start to the season under , suddenly everything appeared to be clicking into place against a disappointed Leicester, with leading the way and Alejandro Garnacho providing the style.

United took the lead in style when Amad's backheel opened up space for , who curled into the bottom corner. He appeared to have made it 2-0 with a stooping header, only for the replay to show that he had actually glanced the ball onto defender Victor Kristiansen to net an own goal.

Those goals doubled United's tally of first-half goals in the this season but Andre Onana had to be alert to keep out Wilfried Ndidi at the other end, while Mads Hermansen saved with his legs to deny Amad after an enterprising run into the box.

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Leicester failed to trouble United much in a scrappy second half and Garnacho came off the bench to curl in a stunning third for United from the edge of the box. Here are the talking points from the fourth and final game of the Van Nistelrooy era.

1. Bruno is back

Like many players, Bruno Fernandes endured a miserable start to the season. He went 13 games without scoring before breaking his own personal deadlock with two in the 5-2 thrashing of Leicester in the Carabao Cup two days after Erik ten Hag was sacked.

in the Eredivisie, but he might be irritated to see Fernandes' impact for his temporary successor Van Nistelrooy when he checks the scores. Fernandes only just managed more assists than red cards under Ten Hag's management this season but now, suddenly, appears to be back close to his best.

The confidence with which he despatched the opening goal from Amad's clever lay-off was a telling sign, as was the strings-pulling in the build-up to the Kristiansen own goal, which he cheekily still tried to claim for himself.

2. United's new midfield pairing

"Casemiro and Ugarte, that could be the start of something. Looking forward to Amorim, it looks like a partnership that could be good together," Paul Scholes said after in mid-week. "I think that allows Bruno a little bit more freedom up the top of the pitch."

“Ugarte is a very talented boy and has a lot of room to grow. I am very happy to know that I have him back at Man United.” Amorim coached Ugarte at Sporting for two years and will be delighted that the £50million summer signing finally appears to be finding his feet, just in time for his arrival.

It isn't pretty, but the experience of Casemiro, paired with the functional, effective and combative Ugarte has given United some much-needed stability in the middle of the pitch. And Scholes is right: they are freeing up Fernandes to do what he does best. Casemiro left the pitch to a standing ovation in the 78th minute. The signs are promising for Amorim.

3. Leicester miss Vardy

Goal scoring hasn't been a problem for Leicester this season. They arrived at Old Trafford having scored in all 10 of their Premier League matches this season, with their only blank of the 2024/25 campaign so far coming in the 0-0 Carabao Cup draw against Walsall, which they won on penalties.

But they looked absolutely, well and truly, blunt up front against United. Jamie Vardy missed the game with a suspected back injury and was desperately missed as Jordan Ayew tried his utmost, without much success, alone up front.

Facundo Buonanotte was well marshalled while Ayew - the scorer of a dramatic late winner at and late equaliser against Ipswich - had little to feed off, bar one chance on the turn when he hit the side-netting.

4. Rashford under pressure

After starting the PAOK game on the bench, was given a chance to impress against Leicester. He didn't take the opportunity, failing to attempt a single shot before he was replaced by Garnacho in the 57th minute.

Amad was the star of the show at Old Trafford on Thursday, scoring twice in a comfortable win over the Greek side. This time, it was Garnacho who put an exclamation mark on United's victory with a stunning finish from the edge of the box.

On this form it is clear who United's best two wide players are - and neither of them are named Marcus Rashford, who has now gone six matches without contributing a goal or an assist.

5. Ruud bows out

Van Nistelrooy still doesn't know whether he will be required under Amorim. If this is his final match as a member of the United coaching staff then he can bow out knowing he's done a fine job.

There was never really that much pressure on Van Nistelrooy, who stepped into the void after Ten Hag was sacked. Here was a much-loved club legend taking over from a manager who had become deeply unpopular following some miserable performances. He followed in the footsteps of , Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick and did a fine job.

United thrashed Leicester in his first game, drew 1-1 with , beat PAOK 2-0 and then overcame the Foxes once more for good measure. Van Nistelrooy's popularity at Old Trafford could make him a savvy appointment for Amorim.

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