Manchester United delivered a resounding 5-2 victory over a weakened Leicester City to advance to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, marking a strong start for interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal.United’s struggles in front of goal had marred their recent loss to West Ham in Ten Hag’s final match, but they found their finishing touch again under Van Nistelrooy. Leicester manager Steve Cooper made nine changes, prioritizing their upcoming Premier League clash with Ipswich.Casemiro lifted the spirits at Old Trafford with a sensational long-range strike that rocketed into the top corner, putting United ahead. Moments later, Alejandro Garnacho doubled the lead, expertly volleying in from a Diogo Dalot cross.Bruno Fernandes, goalless until this game, netted twice. His first came from a free-kick, which took a fortunate deflection just minutes after Leicester’s Bilal El Khannouss had pulled one back. Casemiro then seized on a loose ball to secure his second, restoring United’s momentum.Fernandes’ second goal came at a crucial moment as Leicester was pressing, sparked by Conor Coady’s goal just before the break. With composure, Fernandes rounded Leicester goalkeeper Danny Ward and slotted in from close range, sealing United’s victory.While the speculation surrounding potential new manager Ruben Amorim did not seem to affect United, who continued their strong cup run, Leicester appeared focused on league survival over cup success.Elsewhere, just days after Chelsea narrowly defeated Newcastle at Stamford Bridge in a Premier League clash, the Magpies got their revenge – Newcastle United have secured a spot in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals for the third consecutive season with a victory over the Blues at St. James’ Park.Enzo Maresca fielded a completely fresh starting XI for the cup fixture, while Eddie Howe made five changes, including the return of Anthony Gordon, who had missed the prior match due to a groin injury.Newcastle’s intense pressing made it difficult for Chelsea to play out from the back, and they capitalized in the 23rd minute. A coordinated effort by Joelinton and Tonali regained possession, with Tonali sliding the ball to Alexander Isak, who scored his second goal against Chelsea in just four days.Newcastle quickly extended their lead in the 27th minute. Facing his former club, Lewis Hall took a quick free-kick to find Isak on the left. The Swede’s cross took a slight deflection toward Joe Willock, who headed the ball in with Axel Disasi inadvertently helping it cross the line.Chelsea pushed forward to respond, with Lloyd Kelly blocking Joao Félix’s effort and Nick Pope making two crucial saves from Félix just before halftime.Chelsea showed improvement in the second half, with Kelly blocking a Christopher Nkunku attempt in the 50th minute. Newcastle countered quickly, setting up Hall for a low shot that was saved by Filip Jörgensen. Despite dominating possession, Chelsea struggled to break through Newcastle’s backline and missed a golden chance when Félix, one-on-one with Pope, prodded wide.Newcastle nearly extended their lead again when Sean Longstaff, celebrating his 27th birthday, scored, only for the goal to be ruled offside. Substitute William Osula was unlucky in the 84th minute when his shot hit the woodwork after creating space brilliantly. In the final minute of normal time, Pope denied Renato Veiga’s powerful strike, securing Newcastle’s well-earned path to the last eight.Reds triumph in the southern thriller; Arsenal win the ‘Duel of Invincibles’EFL CUP – ROUND 4TuesdaySouthampton – Stoke 3-2 (2-1)/Harwood-Bellis 19, Armstrong 35 pen, Bree 88 – Phillips 45, Cannon 54/Brentford – Sheffield Wednesday 5-4 on pen (1-1)/Schade 11 – Gassama 57/Wednesday Brighton – Liverpool 2-3 (0-0)/Adingra, Lamptey 90 – Gakpo 46, 63, Diaz 85/Aston Villa – Crystal Palace 1-2 (1-1)/Duran 23 – Eze 8, Kamada 64/Man.Utd. – Leicester 5-2 (4-2)/Casemiro 15, 39, Garnacho 28, Fernandes 36, 59 – El Khannouss 33, Coady/Newcastle – Chelsea 2-0 (2-0)/Isak 23, Disasi 26 og/Preston – Arsenal 0-3 (0-2)/Jesus 24, Nwaneri 33, Havertz 57/Tottenham – Man.City 2-1 (2-1)/Werner 5, Sarr 25 – Nunez 45+4/
