Steve Cooper sends Ruud van Nistelrooy warning to Manchester United ahead of Carabao Cup fixture

Steve Cooper believes coming up against interim Manchester United manager Ruud van Nistelrooy in the Carabao Cup will be an opportunity to show Leicester City's qualities.

Erik ten Hag was sacked on Monday and United are close to appointing Ruben Amorim as his successor, but Van Nistelrooy will take interim charge of the team on Wednesday night.

United will take on Leicester in the Carabao Cup Round of 16 and the country's media will be keeping a close eye on Van Nistelrooy, who is set to manage his former club.

Van Nistelrooy held talks to become manager of Burnley before being appointed as a first-team coach at United in the summer. He has just one season of senior management with Dutch club PSV on his coaching CV but will receive a warm reception from Old Trafford against Leicester.

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United fans have regularly sung Van Nistelrooy's name this season and the 48-year-old has made a habit of being the last person to applaud the travelling support after away fixtures.

The crowd will be fully behind Van Nistelrooy against Leicester but Cooper insisted he wouldn't overthink playing United when looking ahead to the clash in his press conference.

“We won’t overthink that," said Cooper about Van Nistelrooy. "If you do, you can go to loads of places that might be miles from what they do. When you’re up against a new manager, it’s a good chance to show your own qualities and work. here’s even more reason to focus on ourselves. We have players who can have good moments and have an impact on games.”

Cooper was also asked about Ten Hag and added: “Whatever level you work at as a manager, it’s a demanding job and the highs and lows are extreme. You feel for managers when there’s criticism and when they lose their job.

"It’s never nice to see because you know how hard and emotional it can be. It's a high-profile job and the scrutiny is intense. Any job, you feel the pressure. Once you go to a club, you take on the responsibility of what it means to the people. Whatever the size of the club, you feel it.

"But we’re all about preparing for a cup game and to get through to a quarter-final. The atmosphere will be really good and we have to try to thrive in that moment. We’re looking forward to that.”