Man United player ratings vs Leicester City

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s return to Manchester United, albeit in an interim managerial capacity, could not have begun on a better note as he led his side to an emphatic victory in the EFL Cup with the score Man United 5-2 Leicester City.

With Erik ten Hag recently dismissed, van Nistelrooy’s debut on the touchline marked a new era of hope for the Old Trafford faithful, who warmly welcomed the former striker back to Manchester.

United’s performance showed glimpses of rejuvenation, as they attacked with flair and secured a comfortable win despite some defensive lapses in this Man United vs Leicester City EFL Cup game.

Casemiro was at the heart of United’s dominance, scoring twice and guiding his team with an inspired showing in midfield, while young talents like Alejandro Garnacho continued to impress.

So, how did the Red Devils perform in this Man United vs Leicester City? Here are the Man United player ratings vs Leicester City in their emphatic 5-2 win in the EFL Cup at Old Trafford.

Man United player ratings vs Leicester City - EFL Cup (4-2-3-1)

Man United starting XI vs Leicester City

Goalkeeper: Altay Bayindir (5/10)

Bayindir continued his Carabao Cup run and had a solid, if not flawless, performance. Although he might have done better with Leicester’s first goal, he redeemed himself with a stunning save later in the match to keep United’s lead intact.

Right Back: Diogo Dalot (7/10)

Dalot showed excellent delivery on the cross that set up Alejandro Garnacho’s goal. He still looked solid defensively despite a recent costly miss in the league. However, a lapse in judgement contributed to Leicester’s second goal, indicating areas for improvement.

Centre Back: Matthijs de Ligt (7/10)

De Ligt’s front-foot defending was the key in United’s opening goal, intercepting high up the pitch to create the turnover. However, he could have shown better command during Leicester's second goal. Overall, it was a mixed night for the Dutchman in this Man United vs Leicester City EFL Cup game.

Centre Back: Victor Lindelof (6/10)

In only his second start this season, Lindelof looked slightly off pace and struggled to fully handle Leicester’s attack. He failed to stop the cross for Leicester’s first goal, exposing some rustiness in his performance.

Left Back: Lisandro Martinez (6/10)

Martinez was reliable in his leftback role, though he did not have a particularly standout night. He contributed to the defence but was kept busy by Leicester’s forwards throughout the game.

Defensive Midfielder: Casemiro (8/10)

Casemiro produced a stellar performance in this Man United vs Leicester City EFL Cup game, answering his recent critics in style. He opened the scoring with a magnificent strike from 25 yards and followed it up with a closerange finish to grab his second goal. His work rate and leadership were essential for United's midfield control.

Defensive Midfielder: Manuel Ugarte (7/10)

Ugarte was a quiet but effective presence in midfield, winning tackles and distributing the ball efficiently. His defensive awareness helped break up Leicester’s attacking moves, allowing Casemiro more freedom to push forward.

Right Midfielder: Marcus Rashford (5/10)

Rashford had moments of positive interplay on the right flank but was fairly uninvolved on a night when United’s other attackers shone. He will be disappointed not to have had a larger impact given the scoreline was Man United 5-2 Leicester City.

Attacking Midfielder: Bruno Fernandes (7/10)

Fernandes had a productive night, opening his season’s scoring account with a freekick that took a deflection. His second goal showcased his composure and skill as he pounced on a defensive error. It was a solid performance from the captain in this Man United vs Leicester City EFL Cup game.

Left Midfielder: Alejandro Garnacho (7/10)

Garnacho continued his impressive run of form with a welltaken goal from Dalot’s cross. The young Argentine also set up Casemiro’s opener, demonstrating maturity and creativity in his role.

Centre Forward: Joshua Zirkzee (4/10)

Zirkzee often seemed out of sync with the rest of the attack, struggling to make an impact. He did manage to carve out one halfchance in the second half but largely remained on the periphery.

Man United substitutes vs Leicester City

Noussair Mazraoui (6/10) - Martinez 63’

Brought on to add fresh legs to the defence, Mazraoui provided stability for the final halfhour and held his own against Leicester’s pressing attacks.

Amad Diallo (6/10) - Rashford 63’

Diallo made an immediate impression, nearly scoring an overhead kick with his first touch. He was a constant threat with his quick dribbling and energy.

Jonny Evans (6/10) - De Ligt 72’

Evans provided defensive experience in the closing stages of this Man United vs Leicester City EFL Cup game, helping Manchester United see out the match without further trouble.

Rasmus Hojlund (6/10) - Garnacho 72’

Hojlund had limited opportunities to make an impact but offered a fresh option up front in the latter stages.

Ethan Wheatley (NA/10) - Zirkzee 85’

Wheatley came on for the final five minutes, but the youngster had little time to make a real impression.

Man United manager vs Leicester City

Ruud van Nistelrooy (7/10)

The former United striker received a rapturous welcome at Old Trafford as he took charge for the first time. His tactical setup was balanced, combining youth with experience, and his influence brought a noticeable new energy to the side. However, defensive lapses suggest there is still work to be done, especially with stronger opponents ahead.

Man United player ratings vs Leicester City (4-2-3-1): Starting XI - Bayindir (5/10); Dalot (7/10), De Ligt (7/10), Lindelof (6/10), Martinez (6/10); Casemiro (8/10), Ugarte (7/10); Rashford (5/10), Fernandes (7/10),Garnacho (7/10); Zirkzee (4/10). Substitutes - Mazraoui (6/10), Diallo (6/10), Evans (6/10), Hojlund (6/10). Wheatley (NA/10). Manager - Van Nistelrooy (7/10)

What are your Man United player ratings vs Leicester City in their emphatic 5-2 win in the EFL Cup at Old Trafford?