As is often the case with many clubs, Leicester has generally overlooked the significance of a manager’s playing history – Brendan Rodgers and Steve Cooper are coaches by career, while Enzo Maresca hails from Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff.

This latest appointment feels unconventional. Should he perform well at the King Power, Van Nistelrooy may challenge the established norm.

Managing Leicester presents inherent difficulties.

Long-time director of football Jon Rudkin has a strong relationship with owner Aiyawatt ‘Top’ Srivaddhanaprabha, while seasoned players like Vardy hold considerable sway.

A recent festive gathering among players in Copenhagen during Cooper’s departure also hinted at potential discipline issues.

Leicester’s Aspirations

The club narrowly avoided a points penalty under the Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules, primarily due to their Championship status at the time of the allegations.

Additionally, there are expectations to consider. Typically, newly-promoted clubs prioritize survival, and many clubs outside the ‘Big Six’ possess limited ambitions.

Nevertheless, in Leicester’s scenario, ‘unrealistic expectations’ seem entirely justifiable.

Alongside Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea, the Foxes are among the few clubs to have secured both the Premier League and FA Cup in the last decade.

How can anyone view it as unrealistic for Leicester to aim for excellence when they clinched the title more recently than Manchester United and have achieved victory more recently than Arsenal, Tottenham, or Newcastle?

Van Nistelrooy proved during his time as Utd’s caretaker that he embodies the right persona – with his distinctive beard, roll-neck sweater, and articulate communication, he possesses not just the right appearance but also the promotional charm to support his illustrious playing career.

However, he undoubtedly faces a significant hurdle. He may also carry the aspirations of any renowned Premier League player seeking a smoother transition into top-tier management.

A Case for Moyes?

Could someone remind me why there was a ‘David Moyes Out’ campaign at West Ham, when the manager had guided the club through its most prosperous four-year period in history?

During Julen Lopetegui’s tenure, the Hammers currently find themselves 14th, a stark contrast to three seasons in the top half and back-to-back European quarter-finals, along with securing the first trophy in 40 years under Moyes.

In clear terms, what Moyes accomplished at the London Stadium effectively set the ceiling for any club outside the elite.

While there were complaints about the style of play, evidence for a more attractive approach under Lopetegui is lacking.

Indeed, it seems that there is no cohesive playing strategy in place.

VAR’s Latest ‘Success’

Another ‘success’ for VAR was demonstrated at Brighton on Friday, where Stockley Park took three minutes to confirm that Southampton’s Cameron Archer was onside.

This was followed by further delays to ascertain that his teammate Adam Armstrong, who was offside, had interfered with play, negating the initial determination.

This extensive time to overturn a possible winning goal led to the match extending to 103 minutes.

It appears there is little regard for match-going fans.

Manchester’s Decline?

As we reach a third of the season, neither Manchester club has found their way into the Premier League’s top four.

As the derby approaches this Sunday, City versus United could truly devolve into a mid-table encounter.

Is it conceivable that Manchester may miss out on Champions League football next season for the first time since 1995-96, an era when there was only one club from England in the top tier?

A Closed Title Race?

Cole Palmer, known for his deadpan media appearances almost as much as his remarkable football skills, dismissed inquiries about Chelsea’s potential title race involvement following their 3-0 win over Aston Villa, which elevated them to joint-second with Arsenal.

He made a valid observation: there is no title race worth discussing. Liverpool has it firmly in their grasp.

While one might typically perceive the leaders’ visit to St James’ Park as fraught with potential danger – on Saturday, Eddie Howe’s squad was commended for a performance where the shot count read Crystal Palace 16, Newcastle 1.

Loud Announcements?

Am I just becoming older and more irritable – rather than simply middle-aged and irritable – or are the PA systems at football stadiums getting progressively louder and more bothersome?

Referees and Sign Language

Referees have become rather stringent regarding sign language.

The act of mimicking cards now results in actual cautions, as do gestures signaling VAR reviews.

Therefore, why not take action against the prevalent and vexing gesture of players wagging their fingers at referees after committing clear fouls?

I would propose an obligatory six-match ban or even an indefinite suspension.

FA Cup Replay Controversy

The abolishment of FA Cup replays sparked considerable debate, as underscored on Sunday when seventh-tier Harborough Town illustrated its importance.

A dramatic late equalizer against League One Reading should have secured them a 3-3 draw, paving the way for a rematch at home and a spot in last night’s third-round draw.

Instead, they faced the less romantic outcome of elimination, conceding twice in the early moments of extra time.

Ashes Prospects

The Australians encountered defeat at home in their first Test against India, while England – featuring a potentially explosive lineup of fast bowlers – celebrated a solid victory in New Zealand.

Could next year’s Ashes in Australia turn out to be a genuinely competitive series instead of the usual rout?