Nistelrooy, Real Witness to Manchester United's Changes

LEICESTER, MONDAY - Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy can no longer use referees as an excuse for losing to Manchester United. The former MU striker must admit that this time, the "Red Devils" truly excel in all aspects and are rising from their slump.

Nistelrooy was furious after the FA Cup fourth round match in early February 2025. Leicester managed to hold MU to a draw for 90 minutes at the opponent's home, but conceded an offside goal in injury time. The goal was allowed because the video assistant referee (VAR) was not yet available in the early stages of the competition.

The rivalry between the two teams changed drastically in the English Premier League match at King Power Stadium on Monday (17/3/2025) early morning WIB. MU dominated completely with a 3-0 victory over the home team. They continued their streak of excellent results over the past two weeks.

"I think the difference in quality was clear in the two penalty boxes," Nistelrooy said of United's superiority. "The efficiency in finishing chances, defending in key moments, you could see the difference there. That's what happens in football," he told Sky Sports.

The visiting team's victory was inspired by the attacking trio of Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, and Rasmus Hojlund. Following his "hat-trick" against Real Sociedad earlier in the week, Fernandes once again showcased his class by contributing one goal and two assists.

Hojlund, who appeared confident again during the match against Sociedad, successfully opened the scoring for the visiting team. It was his first goal since December 2024, ending a goal drought spanning 21 matches. Hojlund also managed to provide an assist for Garnacho's goal, but it was disallowed due to offside.

Garnacho was briefly disappointed after failing to double MU's lead. However, he bounced back shortly afterward by scoring another goal midway through the second half. The winger successfully made it onto the scoreboard again, the first time since November 2024.

"Rasmus has very good control with his right foot. Garnacho always tries to score goals, and he deserves it. They always seem lively in creating goals or assists. Bruno is in a good trend," said MU Head Coach Ruben Amorim.

Fernandes, who continues to score goals, along with Garnacho and Hojlund ending their goal drought, signifies positive developments for Amorim's team. The morale of the MU squad is at its highest point since being led by Amorim last November.

The sign of the “Red Devils” revival is consistency. Throughout this season, they have rarely been able to play well in two consecutive matches. Fernandes and his colleagues have even often experienced two contrasting performances in one match.

United have played well in their last four games, including at the King Power Stadium. They beat Sociedad 5-2 on aggregate in two Europa League games. Last week, they held Arsenal, who are second in the league, to a draw.

Fernandes said there is nothing better for the team than winning. “We can feel it. Against Arsenal, we were a little bit deeper. They didn’t improve much. That improvement has to continue. We still have a lot of important games,” he said.

Behind that consistency, there is a marked improvement in defense. MU is much more concentrated, disciplined, and persistent in defending as a team. The weaknesses that were often exposed during transitions are no longer visible. Garnacho, who was often late to withdraw during Erik ten Hag's regime, has changed.

The solid defense was clearly visible at Leicester's home. MU's back line led by defender Matthijs de Ligt was able to dampen the speed of striker Jamie Vardy. Both with a high defensive line in the first half and a lower line after the break.

Leicester's biggest chance came from Vardy early in the game. Vardy's shot towards goal was saved by goalkeeper Andre Onana. After that, Nistelrooy's team did not pose much of a threat to MU's defense. Leicester were able to get close to the penalty box several times, but failed to make any dangerous shots.

According to Amorim, the biggest pride is not because of the landslide victory. He is more concerned with the team's work ethic. That is what has only been seen recently. "The most important thing for me is the hard work they give, especially when in a defensive situation," he concluded.

The only negative thing from MU in the match was losing 18-year-old defender Ayden Heaven. He suffered a serious injury and had to be stretchered off the field. Heaven, who was brought in from Arsenal's academy in the January transfer market, is still "innocent", but always appears calm when played. (AP/REUTERS)