Ruud Van Nistelrooy starts off term with Leicester City in style

Ruud van Nistelrooy marked a dream start to his managerial stint at Leicester City with an impressive 3-1 victory over West Ham in the Premier League on Tuesday. The former Manchester United star, taking charge for the first time since his recent departure from Old Trafford, guided his team to a commanding performance at the King Power Stadium. Jamie Vardy, the evergreen forward, opened the scoring for Leicester, setting the tone for a lively display. Young talent Bilal El Khannouss doubled the lead, showcasing his potential with a composed finish. Patson Daka added the third, capping off an impressive attacking display for the Foxes. Despite a late consolation goal from West Ham, Leicester looked in control for much of the match, giving Van Nistelrooy the perfect start to his new chapter.

Elsewhere, Crystal Palace secured a narrow 1-0 win against Ipswich Town. The game was a tightly contested affair, but Palace managed to edge past their opponents to claim all three points. Van Nistelrooy’s winning debut has already sparked optimism among Leicester fans, who are hopeful that the Dutchman’s pedigree as a prolific striker can translate into managerial success. Known for his clinical finishing during his playing days, Van Nistelrooy now aims to instill the same level of precision and confidence in his squad. With this commanding start, Leicester will look to build momentum as they navigate through a challenging Premier League season.

Ruud van Nistelrooy admitted he was "astonished" by the number of managerial offers he received following his four-game stint as interim Manchester United boss, during which he secured two wins, including one against Leicester. Now at the helm of Leicester, the Dutchman, renowned for his lethal finishing as a player, witnessed a brilliant start to his tenure as Jamie Vardy struck just 99 seconds into the match. Initially flagged offside, a VAR review confirmed the 37-year-old was onside, awarding him his fifth goal of the season. The defeat adds pressure on West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui, whose side has now suffered seven losses in 14 Premier League matches. Despite dominating possession and registering 31 shots to Leicester’s eight, the Hammers failed to convert their chances, leaving their inefficiency in the spotlight.

"A frustrating night because we deserved much more today. Normally we have to win this match but we didn't because we didn't score,"said Lopetegui.

West Ham’s frustration peaked when a controversial decision ruled out what could have been a turning point. Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen punched the ball into his own net, but the referee awarded a foul for minimal contact from Tomas Soucek, sparing the Foxes. Leicester also relied on defensive heroics, with Conor Coady clearing a goal-bound effort from Crysencio Summerville in the second half. Despite West Ham’s efforts, Leicester looked dangerous on the counter-attack and made their chances count.

Bilal El Khannouss doubled the lead with a composed finish from Kasey McAteer’s clever assist. Patson Daka then added a third, blasting in a powerful strike to seal the win. Niclas Fuellkrug netted a late consolation for West Ham with his first goal for the club, but it was too little, too late. The victory lifts Leicester to 15th in the Premier League, four points clear of the relegation zone and just two behind 14th-placed West Ham.