Ruud van Nistelrooy could give a first-team debut to Manchester United youngster vs Leicester

Manchester United will play their first game since Erik ten Hag was sacked against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.

Ten Hag was sacked on Monday following United's 2-1 defeat to West Ham in the Premier League and Ruud van Nistelrooy has been officially placed in interim charge of the side.

United are hoping to appoint Ruben Amorim from Sporting Lisbon but Van Nistelrooy will get the chance to manage his former club against Leicester at Old Trafford.

Leicester are among the favourites to be relegated from the top-flight this season and United are heavy favourites to progress to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.

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Here are five things to look out for in the game...

The reception for Van Nistelrooy

Van Nistelrooy was considered a shrewd addition to Ten Hag's backroom staff and has received praise from players, who have relished working with a former United great.

He is a safe pair of hands as an interim and should receive a brilliant reception at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, as fans have revelled in his return to the club since the summer.

"Ruuuuud," has been the cry from the Stretford End when Van Nistelrooy has applauded fans before heading down the Old Trafford tunnel after home games and it hasn't gone unnoticed that he's made a habit of being the last person to applaud supporters after away fixtures.

Van Nistelrooy is equally popular with United players and fans and is expected to pick a strong team to win against the Foxes, in what could be his only game in interim charge of the club, with talks ongoing over when Amorim could be officially confirmed as the next United manager.

First-team debut for Amass?

Promising youngster Harry Amass excelled during the United States pre-season tour and travelled with the squad to Wembley for the Community Shield, but he hasn't been given a debut this season, despite Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia continuing to be absent with their injuries.

The feeling was Ten Hag didn't believe Amass was physically ready and he was overlooked again when United won 7-0 against Barnsley in the previous round of the Carabao Cup.

Toby Collyer was selected to start at left-back against Barnsley and that wouldn't have gone down well with Amass, who watched from home as a midfielder played in his position.

However, perhaps Van Nistelrooy will give Amass the opportunity he's been desperate to receive. It seems Diogo Dalot would benefit from rest due to his poor performances in the last few weeks, which means Amass could start at left-back, with Noussair Mazraoui on the opposite side.

Ugarte's time to shine?

Manuel Ugarte thrived under Amorim during his time at Sporting Lisbon and should particularly benefit from his appointment, which now feels like a matter of when, not if.

There was a bidding war over Ugarte last summer and Paris Saint-Germain won the race for his signature. Ugarte swapped Paris for Manchester after just 12 months and although he failed to hit the ground running after his transfer, the signs suggest that he's close to turning a corner.

Ugarte was the standout performer in United's 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce in the Europa League and was unfortunate to lose his starting place against West Ham last weekend.

The 23-year-old is expected to return to the starting line-up against Leicester and the game could be a springboard to a regular starter place ahead of Amorim taking control.

Improved team performance?

Leicester's visit to Old Trafford will be the first United game since Ten Hag was sacked and it will be fascinating to see how the players respond to his departure on the pitch.

Several players sent thank you messages to Ten Hag on social media when his sacking was confirmed but there will be some in the dressing room who are relieved.

United suddenly looking like a different team against Leicester would not be a good look for the players, as many would perceive that they downed tools for Ten Hag.

The goalscoring problem

United created enough chances in the opening 45 minutes against West Ham to win two football matches, never mind one, but the game was somehow goalless at half-time.

Alejandro Garnacho struck the crossbar before failing to find the corner with another opportunity, Rasmus Hojlund's close-range shot was saved, Bruno Fernandes' free header was sent over the bar, Diogo Dalot missed the chance of the season and Casemiro's header was saved.

It was embarrassing that United didn't score before half-time, but Wednesday's clash against Leicester is a chance to right the wrongs of the weekend and deliver a ruthless display.