Ruud Van Nistelrooy lauds Ndidi’s display against Manchester United despite Leicester loss

Obi Donald

7 hours ago

Leicester City head coach, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, has praised Super Eagles midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, following his brilliant display against Manchester United in the FA Cup, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 28-year-old captained the Foxes and was instrumental in Leicester’s opening goal against Ruben Amorim’s side, finding space in the box for a shot that was blocked before Bobby De Cordova-Reid pounced on the loose ball to head home.

Ndidi had missed the past eight weeks with a hamstring injury, before marking his return in a high-end tie against Manchester United at Old Trafford, and he bossed the midfield.

Bobby Decordova-Reid 14 of Leicester City celebrates with Wilfred Ndidi 6 of Leicester City after scoring to make it 0-1 during the FA Cup match between Manchester United and Leicester City at Old Trafford, Manchester, England on 7 February 2025. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

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Wilfred Ndidi vs United:

58 minutes played
52 touches
35/43 accurate passes (81%)
1/2 accurate long balls
1/4 ground duels won
2/2 aerial duels won
1 shot on target
1 clearance
1 block
1 interception
1 time dribbled past

| #LCFC | pic.twitter.com/pJ6zTlKiWI

— LCFC Data (@LCFCDATA) February 7, 2025

Goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Harry Maguire turned the game in Manchester United’s favour and condemned Leicester City to an exit from the FA Cup. Nonetheless, the Leicester City head coach had nothing but beautiful words to say about Ndidi’s first game in two months.

4th Round Noussair Mazraoui 3 of Manchester United and Wilfred Ndidi 6 of Leicester City challenge for the ball during the FA Cup match between Manchester United and Leicester City at Old Trafford, Manchester, England on 7 February 2025. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

imago1058605525 — 4th Round Noussair Mazraoui 3 of Manchester United and Wilfred Ndidi 6 of Leicester City challenge for the ball during the FA Cup match between Manchester United and Leicester City at Old Trafford, Manchester, England on 7 February 2025. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

“You’ve seen the game, the way he played, the way he lifted the team, on the ball, off the ball. His performance was excellent, but also his leadership. Not only the captain’s armband he wore, the way he led the team, the way he demanded from his surroundings, coaching, talking, preventing situations from occurring. I thought Bouba [Soumare] and Wilf had a great partnership today on the ball but also off the ball to control the game,” the former Real Madrid striker said in quotes revealed by Leicester Mercury.

4th Round Wilfred Ndidi 6 of Leicester City is chased by Kobbie Mainoo 37 of Manchester United during the FA Cup match between Manchester United and Leicester City at Old Trafford, Manchester, England on 7 February 2025. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

Up next for the Foxes is their home fixture against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal. The Gunners were defeated by Newcastle United in the EFL Carabao Cup during midweek.