Ruud van Nistelrooy reveals how Manchester United players reacted to Erik ten Hag exit

Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has said Manchester United's players were given "some space" to gather their thoughts following Erik ten Hag's exit ahead of tonight's Carabao Cup clash with Leicester City at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag was axed by United on Monday morning, less than 24 hours after watching his side lose 2-1 to West Ham United in controversial fashion at the London Stadium.

Van Nistelrooy was placed in temporary charge and is tasked with trying to improve the mood at Old Trafford after a run of just one win in eight matches.

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Van Nistelrooy, who is a huge fan favourite, returned to the club in the summer as part of the decision to shake up Ten Hag's coaching team. He is now focused on attempting to lead his team to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.

Speaking to MUTV pre-match, Van Nistelrooy said: "We had to deal with a day like yesterday and give the players some space to get their heads around things and their emotions.

"Then they needed to switch their mindsets to performing and that is what we did today. We wanted to focus on seeing an energetic, an attack-minded performance, having a lot of the ball, and attempting to give the crowd a great night.

"It has been a couple of days of mixed feelings," Van Nistelrooy added. "When you see a colleague go, it is a big disappointment.

"Erik brought me in and in the first conversation we had, what struck me most was the passion he had for Man United, and I experienced that with him. He was really fighting for this club, for the supporters, and that was what brought us together."