So long to the era when Sunday was a day of rest, in the sporting world at least. The knock-on effect of Thursday night European football is a busy Premier League programme three days later.
All of which means Monday’s newsletter is a busy one, as we detail all the action that unfolded while you were sleeping.
Shrewd van Nistelrooy
For the second time in Ruud van Nistelrooy’s ephemeral reign, Manchester United gave Leicester City a hiding at Old Trafford. Bruno Fernandes marked his 250th United appearance with the opener, before an own goal from Victor Kristiansen and Alejandro Garnacho’s late strike wrapped up a 3-0 win for the hosts.
United remain 13th but only four points behind the coveted Champions League qualifying spots, after the teams in third and fourth, respectively Chelsea and out-of-form Arsenal, drew 1-1 at Stamford Bridge.
Handed a favourable run of fixtures, all at home, following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, Van Nistelrooy oversaw a 5-2 walloping of Leicester in the Carabao Cup and a 2-0 Europa League victory over PAOK of Greece, either side of drawing 1-1 with Chelsea.
Van Nistelrooy will step aside with his reputation enhanced, then, as incoming boss Ruben Amorim braces himself for a start to Premier League life that quickly brings games against Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and Manchester City.
