Man Utd host Leicester in first match since Erik ten Hag’s exit – follow live

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Ten Hag will have cleared out his office on Monday thinking about what could have been had his players scored some of their first-half chances at West Ham on Sunday.

That has been United’s biggest Achilles heel so far as they have failed to make their dominance count in games.

Only Southampton and Crystal Palace have scored fewer than them in the Premier League so far, so the new manager must find a way for his players to be more clinical.

A big criticism during the Ten Hag era was that there was no identity to his United side and it was a mystery as to how they would set up from one game to the next.

The new manager must change that and provide a team with an obvious personality and defined character – preferably one that attacks and plays on the front foot.

It is the most obvious place to start, but Ruben Amorim will be expected to turn results around quickly.

Erik ten Hag was ultimately fired because he was simply not winning enough games and the new man must hit the ground running.

He will inherit a side 14th in the Premier League after four defeats from their opening nine games and struggling in the Europa League.

The Man Utd interim boss continued saying: “Despite our results, I am loving being back at Old Trafford and working with the team and staff every day. We’ve seen the squad’s potential at times this season, but clearly not often enough.

“When I returned in the summer as Erik’s assistant, it was because I believe that Manchester United can climb back to the levels that I knew here as a player. I still have that belief, but it will take time and a lot of hard work.

“The first step is to restore the winning habit, starting at Old Trafford this evening. I know first-hand the positive effect that our wonderful fans can have on the team, so please get behind the players as we fight together to move a step closer to Wembley.”

Ruud van Nistelrooy is the new interim manager of Manchester United though he may not be in the role for very long depending on negotiations with Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim.

While he is in charge Van Nistelrooy took the opportunity to address the fans in tonight’s match programme.

He wrote: “As I am sure everyone can imagine, I am writing these notes with a huge amount of mixed emotions. Erik ten Hag brought me back to Manchester United in the summer and, while I have only been part of the coaching staff here for a few months, I will always be grateful to him for giving me the opportunity, and I am saddened to see him leave.

“Even on an interim basis, it is a great honour to manage the club I love for however long I am asked to do so. I can promise that I will continue to give my all, in whatever capacity, to try to turn around our fortunes.”

Man Utd XI: Bayindir; Dalot, Lindelof, De Ligt, Martinez; Ugarte, Casemiro; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee

Bruno Fernandes spoke glowingly last year about Ruben Amorim and his potential as a manager.

The Sporting boss has been tipped to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United and the Portuguese midfielder’s remarks from last year suggest he will be pleased with the potential appointment.

“I think all the qualities are there to be able to succeed in English, French, or Spanish football,” Fernandes told SportTV last year.

“Obviously, we know that the Premier League is probably the most desired. The qualities [to succeed in England] are there and he has everything to take the next step, in my opinion.”

The Old Trafford hierarchy have put the 39-year-old top of their list, having not considered him during the summer. They are also willing to negotiate with the Portuguese club about a release fee that is within the region of €10m (£8.3m).

United are seeking to impress on Amorim the opportunity that the job presents and there has been considerable progress on talks, to the point that Amorim’s coaching staff has been discussed.

Leicester are in good form.

They’ve only lost two of their last seven matches across all competitions though one of those defeats came against Nottingham Forest at the weekend.

Jamie Vardy has scored in his last two outings and will be keen to perform at Old Trafford.