Ruud van Nistelrooy acknowledges that Manchester United “benefited from some fortune” during their 5-0 victory over Leicester City in the EFL Cup.

**Van Nistelrooy Acknowledges Luck in United’s EFL Cup Triumph Over Leicester**

In a thrilling encounter at Old Trafford, Manchester United secured a convincing 5-2 victory over Leicester City in the EFL Cup’s last 16. However, interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy was quick to admit that fortune played a significant role in the outcome.

The Red Devils saw Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes each net a brace, while Alejandro Garnacho added his fifth goal of the season. Despite the impressive scoreline, the match was not without its controversies. Fernandes’ first goal came courtesy of a deflection, Casemiro’s second was a fortunate close-range finish, and Garnacho’s strike could have been ruled offside had VAR been in operation at this stage of the competition.

Despite these elements of luck, Van Nistelrooy was keen to highlight the quality of his side’s performance. “We scored some great goals,” he told Sky Sports. “The first one was an absolute beauty from Casemiro. I must also acknowledge that we had some luck. Two posts and the ball fell kindly to Casemiro, and then there was the deflected free-kick from Bruno, but it’s his first one for a long time.”

He continued, “So, five goals, but as I mentioned before, we created so many more and bigger chances against West Ham and Fenerbahce, and we couldn’t finish. Suddenly, we had some luck on our side, and that made it a great night.”

Van Nistelrooy also took a moment to praise Casemiro, who has faced criticism following a challenging start to the season under Erik ten Hag. “I was delighted for Casemiro,” he said. “The way he’s been training and helping the team is exemplary. After the Liverpool game, he received a lot of criticism, but what a goal it was—top corner, an amazing strike from an amazing person and player. It’s fantastic to have him around.”

As for the managerial situation at United, Van Nistelrooy remained tight-lipped about the identity of the next permanent manager. However, he expressed his commitment to the club, stating, “I’m here to help. I’m here to serve. I’m here to give my everything for the club in any capacity, alongside so many people who want the best for the club.”

In the opposing dugout, Leicester City manager Steve Cooper reflected on his side’s performance, particularly in the second half. He echoed Van Nistelrooy’s sentiments regarding the scoreline, suggesting it did not accurately reflect the match. “It’s 5-2 in terms of the goals,” Cooper remarked. “Casemiro’s moment of brilliance, a poor call from the linesman for Garnacho’s goal, and some big mistakes from us contributed to the scoreline. However, if you look at the second half, we were dominant. United didn’t get into our half, and then we conceded.”

Looking ahead, Manchester United will face Tottenham Hotspur in the EFL Cup quarter-finals, scheduled for the third week of December. The clash promises to be another exciting chapter in the competition as the Red Devils aim to build on their recent success.