Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy, interim coach of Manchester United, confirmed that football is sometimes cruel, after leading the team to beat Leicester City 5-2 and qualify for the quarter-finals of the English Football League Cup.
Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes scored two goals each, and Alejandro Garnacho added a goal.
Nistelrooy said: “There have been mixed feelings over the past few days. Of course I was sad about Erik ten Hag leaving the club, as he was the one who brought me back here. It is sad that he left the club, but he left and won two titles and he should feel proud of what he achieved. It is A new match day, and more than 70,000 fans supported and encouraged me tremendously.”
The official website of Manchester United quoted Nistelrooy as saying: “We prepared the players as we should, and they were great today. We must praise the team for the amazing performance that we saw after a difficult period. The news happened. It was difficult for the players and for all of us on the day it was announced. What the players did today is a wonderful thing.” After the departure of the technical director.
He added, “We pledged to fight for the 75,000 fans here and the millions who support the club at home. We wanted to assure them that this club will continue to fight and will not stop working and striving to achieve success.”
The coach praised Fernandez, saying: “Given the potential and quality he possesses, we knew that he only needed luck on his side to return to scoring. I am happy for him. He is leading the team through very difficult periods, and it is wonderful to have a player like him with us.”
He explained, “We created more and better chances than the ones we created in our matches against Fenerbahce, West Ham, and Crystal Palace. Luck was on our side with the ball bouncing off the post in Casemiro’s second goal and the ball colliding with the body of a Leicester player in Bruno’s first goal, but sometimes that’s what you need, and sometimes… Football is sometimes tough. As I said, we were a bit unlucky today, and we can now build on this victory in the upcoming matches.”
He continued, “We scored wonderful goals today. The first goal was very beautiful from Casemiro, and I enjoyed watching him. He is a wonderful player and person, and we are happy to have him in the team. Garnacho also scored a beautiful goal from Diogo Dalot’s cross. I think the fans will go home very happy today.” .
He concluded, “I returned to the club as an assistant coach to provide assistance, and I will continue to do so in my role as coach now, whether the period is long or short. I am ready to provide assistance in building the future of the club in any position. There are many around me who want the best for the club, and this will not change. It is important now.” “Focusing on next Sunday’s match against Chelsea, and let’s wait and see what the future holds.”
ظهرت في الأصل على www.aljazeera.net