Ruud van Nistelrooy hails Man United star Erik ten Hag was ready to sell in the summer, as Red Devils thrash Leicester 5-2 to reach Carabao Cup quarter-finals

Manchester United interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy heaped praise on a much-maligned Red Devils star after Wednesday’s 5-2 win over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup.

Van Nistelrooy took charge of his first game at Old Trafford following Erik ten Hag’s sacking on Monday, and United delivered a dominant performance to book their quarter-final spot.

Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes both scored twice, while Alejandro Garnacho also got on the scoresheet as United’s players finally found their shooting boots following a difficult start to the season.

Casemiro’s first goal was the pick of the bunch as he rifled home an unstoppable strike from 25 yards, and he was on hand to tap home from close range later in the first half to put United in a commanding position. Van Nistelrooy hailed the Brazilian midfielder after his standout display on Wednesday night.

‘The first goal was an unbelievable, top goal – fantastic finish,’ Van Nistelrooy told MUTV.

The interim manager admitted he was ‘delighted’ for Casemiro (right) after he scored twice

Erik ten Hag was ready to sell Casemiro in the summer after his disappointing second season at United

‘I’m delighted for him that the first goal went in. I was delighted for Case, the way he’s been training and helping the team and the club, he’s such an example. You also see the crowd’s reaction and they also know what he’s about.

‘Of course, going through difficult moments, the Liverpool game, he got a lot of criticism. It was so hard, he was almost the one to blame for that game and it’s not fair, he didn’t deserve that, it was not true.

‘If you see him in training and the way he prepares for games, with the history and all he has achieved with five Champions Leagues, he’s an example for us. That was part of my celebration, I’m happy for him.’

United had been ready to listen to offers for Casemiro over the summer after his hugely disappointing second season at the club last term.

However, Ten Hag performed a transfer U-Turn after being impressed with Casemiro’s pre-season and early season form.

But the 32-year-old endured a nightmare outing against Liverpool last month as he was at fault for two of the goals before being taken off at half time in the 3-0 defeat.

His game time was limited in the weeks after that loss, but he has come back into the side recently.

Casemiro has bounced back well after a nightmare performance against Liverpool last month

Casemiro scored in Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at West Ham, and was among the goals again on Wednesday as he grabbed a brace.

He could now be set to play a key role in United’s starting XI over the coming weeks, with Van Nistelrooy expected to remain in charge for the next three games before Ruben Amorim takes over after the November international break.

A deal for the Sporting Lisbon boss is edging nearer, but it is likely that he will see out his notice period at the Portuguese club before moving to England next month.