ERIK TEN HAG was poked fun at online after Manchester United ran riot in their first match since the Dutchman’s sacking.
The former Ajax boss, 54, was given the boot by United chiefs on Monday following an awful start to the season.
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side scored five against Leicester at Old Trafford[/caption]
Erik ten Hag was sacked by Man Utd on Monday[/caption]
With the Red Devils sitting 14th having collected just 11 points from nine games, club bosses turned to their former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Ten Hag’s Dutch compatriot joined his staff in the summer, having previously managed PSV Eindhoven.
With Van Nistelrooy in the dugout as caretaker boss, United looked a side rejuvenated against Leicester in last night’s Carabao Cup clash.
Casemiro gave the Red Devils a 15th minute lead with a wonder strike from range.
Alejandro Garnacho then doubled his side’s lead on 28 minutes, before Bilal El Khannouss pulled one back for the Foxes just after the half-hour mark.
Steve Cooper‘s men weren’t back in the contest for long, with Bruno Fernandes’ heavily deflected free-kick making it 3-1 on 36 minutes, and Casemiro smashing in another before half-time.
Conor Coady pulled a second back for Leicester, but Fernandes had the final say in United’s comfortable 5-2 win.
As the game went on, fans posted several memes online depicting how Ten Hag must feel finally seeing United run riot on a team.
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The memes included several angry figures losing the plot, including controversial American far-right commentator Alex Jones.
Writing in his programme notes, Van Nistelrooy admitted to feeling a “huge mix of emotions” after being promoted to caretaker boss.
He began his programme notes: “As I am sure everyone can imagine, I am writing these notes with a huge amount of mixed emotions.
“Erik ten Hag brought me back to Manchester United in the summer and, while I have only been part of the coaching staff here for a few months, I will always be grateful to him for giving me the opportunity, and I am saddened to see him leave.
“Even on an interim basis, it is a great honour to manage the club I love for however long I am asked to do so.
“I can promise that I will continue to give my all, in whatever capacity, to try to turn around our fortunes.”
Man Utd have identified Sporting boss Ruben Amorim as their No1 choice to replace Ten Hag full time.
His current club Sporting announced on Tuesday that the Red Devils had made contact and were ready to trigger his £8.3million release clause.
The Portuguese, 39, is expected to fly to Manchester to finalise a deal, with talks already well underway.
Although Van Nistelrooy could still be at the caretaker helm as United host Chelsea this Sunday.
Man Utd ratings vs Leicester
MAN UNITED started life after Erik ten Hag with a comfortable win over Leicester in the Carabao Cup.
But who shone in the 5-2 victory, and who will be hoping incoming boss Ruben Amorim wasn’t watching?
SunSport’s Katherine Walsh gives her ratings…
Altay Bayindir – 6
Although United dominated, Bayindir looked shaky when Leicester’s chances came.
He flapped with a dodgy punch which led to the away side’s 33rd minute goal. And he looked to repeat it with McAteer’s shot just before half-time.
But one excellent second half save, pushed on to the crossbar, when Steve Cooper’s side were pressing, boosts his mark up a bit.
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
Back in his beloved right-hand side and told to push into midfield but often left his defensive channel wide open.
Passed back all too often and kept Justin onside in the first half.
He assisted Garnacho’s opener though after collecting Casemiro‘s stunning lofted pass.
Played a part in Leicester’s second after the ball bounced off him to drop for Coady in another silly goal to concede for the home side.
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
