"Good for him to come off the bench today" - Van Nistelrooy explains Manchester United star's exclusion from XI for Leicester clash
Interim Manchester United manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has explained the reasoning behind his decision to start Alejandro Garnacho from the bench during their Premier League clash against Leicester City on November 10. The Red Devils are looking to build on an excellent start to life after Erik ten Hag in their last league game before the international break.
The Red Devils picked up their first European win of the season in midweek as they overcame Greek outfit PAOK in their UEFA Europa League meeting by two unreplied goals. Ivorian forward Amad Diallo was impressive in the game, scoring both goals to hand his side a hugely important win. Interim manager Van Nistelrooy, in recognition of his performance, decided to start Amad against Leicester City.
Van Nistelrooy explained his decision to name Amad in the starting XI over Alejandro Garnacho to the press ahead of the game. The Dutch manager told Sky Sports that he intends for Garnacho to come off the bench and provide his side quality in the second half.
"He [Amad] did very well, he looked really sharp. It has, also, to do with minutes played, speaking closely with Alejandro [Garnacho] about all the games and minutes that he’s played so far, so it’s good for him to come off the bench today, and we’ll have him fresh, hopefully, towards the end of the game. That is the idea behind it," he said (via @UtdDistrict on X).
Argentina international Alejandro Garnacho has featured in all 10 of Manchester United's league games since the start of the 2024-25 season. The 20-year-old has two goals and an assist to his name for his side in the Premier League this term.
Formerly of Atalanta, Amad Diallo has had to be patient for a chance to feature consistently for Manchester United. This season, the 22-year-old has one goal and one assist in eight league appearances for the side.
Ruud van Nistelrooy opts to retain most of squad for Chelsea as Manchester United face Foxes
Ruud van Nistelrooy has opted to name a similar starting XI to the one that held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw last week for the game against Leicester City. The Dutch tactician made just one change, bringing in Amad Diallo in place of Alejandro Garnacho in attack.
In his last game as interim manager, he has once more started Noussair Mazraoui at left-back and Diogo Dalot at right-back, as opposed to how Erik ten Hag used the duo at right-back and left-back, respectively. The base of the midfield features Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro, while Bruno Fernandes starts further forward in midfield.
The trio of Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford and Amad have been tasked with getting the goals for Manchester United in the game on home soil. A win would be important to herald a successful term for incoming manager Ruben Amorim.