Manchester United booked their spot in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup this evening, courtesy of a 5-2 win over Leicester City.
Goals from Casemiro (x2), Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes (x2) saw the Reds cruise past Leicester despite their two attempts at inspiring a comeback through Bilal El Khannouss and Conor Coady.
Tonight’s game may well be Ruud van Nistelrooy’s only match in the dugout, and if so, it’s certainly a way to make a statement in case he ever needs to be called upon again.
Shortly after the full-time whistle, Director of Sport Sir Dave Brailsford confirmed to supporters outside Old Trafford that Ruben Amorim’s prospective move to United was a ‘done’ deal. It comes after three days of constant negotiations between all parties, with all signs pointing towards the 39-year-old being Erik ten Hag’s long-term successor.
Amorim’s first shot at silverware will be the EFL Cup
While Amorim may have to complete a notice period of around 30 days, Brailsford’s words will surely be music to fans’ ears. He was INEOS’ first-choice candidate to take the reins following Ten Hag’s turbulent tenure, and they were incredibly efficient in getting an agreement over the line within hours of starting negotiations.
As such, he will be in the dugout for the Reds’ last-eight cup tie. They were drawn away to Tottenham Hotspur tonight, who had just knocked out Manchester City after a 2-1 win on home soil.
Elsewhere, Liverpool will face Southampton away, Arsenal will host Crystal Palace and Newcastle United host Brentford. The ties will be played from the week commencing December 16, giving Amorim ample time to get to grips with the squad at his disposal and, ideally, implement his play style.
Spurs have endured a mixed start to the Premier League season thus far, having won four, lost four and drawn once in their opening nine matches.
