Predicted Manchester United Lineup for Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Debut Match as Interim Manager
Ruud van Nistelrooy steps in as caretaker manager for Manchester United, looking to kick off with a victory when his team faces Leicester City in the Carabao Cup fourth-round clash at Old Trafford tonight.
The former star striker took over the interim role on Monday after Erik ten Hag’s departure, which came just a day after United’s 2-1 loss to West Ham United at London Stadium. Until a new permanent manager is appointed—currently tipped to be Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim—Van Nistelrooy is tasked with lifting United’s form, starting with this key cup match against the Foxes.
A collection of images features Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, and Mason Mount as United insiders weigh in on their ideal starting lineup for tonight’s game.
Steven Railston’s Prediction
Right-back Diogo Dalot has struggled to find last season’s form and would benefit from a break. If Noussair Mazraoui is cleared after his apparent knock on Sunday, he could take the right-back spot, while Harry Amass deserves a debut.
Van Nistelrooy is likely to field a strong lineup, aiming to progress in the competition and make a positive impact in what could be his only game in charge, but Amass still deserves a chance to play.
Midfielder Manuel Ugarte, coming off his best game yet against Fenerbahce, should reclaim his spot in the lineup. Amad could also be reintroduced, having seen limited game time recently. United should aim to dominate Leicester in this fixture, building confidence after a scoreless but strong first-half display against West Ham.
With just one win from their last eight matches, Van Nistelrooy, a well-loved figure among United fans, is expected to bring some optimism back to Old Trafford. To do so, United needs a strong performance and a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
Despite the importance of the match, Van Nistelrooy has the chance to rotate players, starting with Altay Bayindir in goal. Bayindir, who played in the 7-0 win over Barnsley in the last round, could make another start here.
Amass, having appeared in recent matchday squads, could finally make his debut, a move that would resonate with fans who enjoy seeing academy players introduced. This could add to the positive atmosphere in the stadium before kickoff.
Ugarte deserves to be in the lineup, while Amad and Joshua Zirkzee could also be considered following their contributions to Casemiro’s goal on Sunday.
Suggested Starting XI by Steven Railston:
– GK: Bayindir
– RB: Dalot
– CBs: Lindelof, Evans
– LB: Amass
– CMs: Ugarte, Casemiro
– CAM: Fernandes
– RW: Amad
– ST: Zirkzee
– LW: Rashford
Samuel Luckhurst’s Take
Given United’s recent performance in cup competitions—four wins in 13 matches—Luckhurst suggests fielding a strong lineup, including Andre Onana in goal, who has been one of the few consistent performers this season.
If Mazraoui is sidelined following an injury late in the West Ham game, Dalot would need to continue at right-back. Amass’s debut is overdue, and including him would signal a fresh approach after the previous treatment of academy prospects under Ten Hag.
With Ruben Amorim’s potential appointment on the horizon, Ugarte could see a starting role, possibly even a permanent place. Casemiro’s excellent recent form also makes him a logical choice, while Amad deserves a place in the starting eleven.
