League Cup: Man Utd goal rain as City, Chelsea crashes out (Full List)

Ruud van Nistelrooy enjoyed a victorious debut as caretaker manager for Manchester United, leading the Red Devils to a 5-2 victory over Leicester City on Wednesday, securing their spot in the League Cup quarter-finals.

The former United striker was appointed interim manager following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal on Monday, stepping up after a disappointing start to United’s season.

Aiming to spark unity within the squad, Van Nistelrooy emphasized that United could be “unstoppable” with collective effort. His words seemed to resonate as United produced an exhilarating first half, scoring four goals. Casemiro’s powerful strike opened the scoring, followed by goals from Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, and another from Casemiro. Leicester briefly threatened through Bilal El Khannoussi and Conor Coady but couldn’t derail United’s push to the last eight.

Liverpool

Elsewhere, Cody Gakpo shone for Liverpool, netting twice in their 3-2 triumph over Brighton. Arsenal also progressed, defeating Preston 3-0 with goals from Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri. Newcastle advanced with a 2-0 win over Chelsea, thanks to Alexander Isak’s goal and an own goal from Axel Disasi. Crystal Palace continued their form, overcoming Aston Villa 2-1, courtesy of strikes by Eberechi Eze and Daichi Kamada.

With this League Cup success, Van Nistelrooy’s United tenure has begun on a high, while speculation around Ruben Amorim potentially taking the permanent managerial role continues.

Newcastle vs Chelsea

Newcastle United cruised past Chelsea to reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

An Alexander Isak strike, quickly followed by an Axel Disasi own goal, were enough to avenge their 2-1 defeat against the same opponents in the Premier League on Sunday.

Tottenham vs Manchester City

Werner’s night started with delight but still ended with disappointment, despite playing a big part in a hugely important win for Spurs and manager Postecoglou.

The German striker’s endeavour and attitude is beyond question, making him a popular figure, but wayward finishing has become his trademark throughout a chequered career.

Werner showed his positive side when he hammered home Kulusevski’s pass to give Spurs the ideal start – although the chant of “Timo Werner – he scores when he wants” from the home fans was heavily laced with good-natured irony.

The other side of him was shown when he was clean through on goal, with time to think and steady himself, but shot wide with only Ortega to beat. Limping off before the end through injury compounded his frustration.

In the end, though, Werner’s contribution was vital as this unpredictable Spurs team deservedly edged out league champions City, who may have left Erling Haaland on the bench but still had plenty of quality.

There was one large cloud on the home side’s night with a first-half injury to Dutch defender Van de Ven, who looked distressed as he went off, clutching his hamstring after a characteristic show of pace chasing back to challenge Savinho.

Postecoglou and Spurs, though, rightly took the acclaim from their delighted supporters as their outstanding record against City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium continued with their sixth win in eight games here.

Preston North End vs Arsenal

Manager Mikel Arteta says Ethan Nwaneri can “dictate how fast” he becomes a first-team regular after he starred in Arsenal’s Carabao Cup win at Championship side Preston North End.

The 17-year-old midfielder curled in a superb first-half effort after Gabriel Jesus’ first goal since January had set Arsenal on their way.

Substitute Kai Havertz rounded off the scoring after the break for the Gunners, who will face Crystal Palace at home in the quarter-finals in the week commencing 16 December.

Academy product Nwaneri, who registered his first senior goals in the 5-1 win over Bolton in the previous round of the competition, also hit the crossbar on Wednesday and was serenaded by the visiting fans after being substituted late on.