Manchester United continued their unbeaten streak of eight matches when they took Leicester City on Boxing Day at King Power Stadium yesterday in matchweek 15. Though it was all square in a hard-fought 2-2 encounter, it was much of a classical Manchester United and Leicester City clash. They missed out on a golden chance to go up the second in the points table. Both the clubs are surely title contenders this season. Vardy’s late deflected strike in the 85th minute helped them to earn a point for the Foxes. With this draw, the points table does not make any difference as far as these two clubs are concerned. Leicester are placed 3rd with 28 points whereas United sit in 4th with a point less than the Foxes. Albeit with a game in hand.
Rashford put United ahead with a wonderful finish to the bottom right corner of the net. Dan James was the provider there, although the assist will officially go to Bruno Fernandes, who stretched to control the Welshman’s. cross. The Portuguese International once again provided a delicious cross the Rashford in the early minutes of the game but unfortunately, the header was too heavy therefore missing out on an early chance. It could have made a difference in the end.
Barnes of Leicester City came up with a scintillating equalizer in the 31st minute to make the contest more interesting. Fernandes had lost possession to Ndidi and later on Maddison assisted the ball to Barnes. He thumped into the back of the net with perfection. De Gea could do nothing to save it as it was beyond his reach. Martial thought he scored his second goal of the season but his strike was ruled out correctly for offside. In the 79th minute, substitute Cavani played in Fernandes who grooved past Kasper Schmeichel. El Matador was once again involved in the score sheet for United. He has been the natural game-maker for the Red Devils since his joining United as a free agent.
Bruno Fernandes scored his 10th goal of the season for Manchester United.
Fernandes became the first Portuguese player since former Red Devil star, Ronaldo, to score 10 Premier League goals in a season. Once again he has proved why he is the heart of United’s attack. But it was not enough to seal the win for United. Perez’s low cross was met by Vardy, whose shot was deflected by Alex Tuanzebe in the 85th minute of the play. Due to the absence of United’s natural right-back, Solskjaer had to change the formations from 4-2-3-1 to 3-4-1-2. Lindelof was a surprise starter at the right-back. But was forced off in the second half.
Fred and McTominay were once again solid in the double-pivot region. The Norwegian tactician may have missed a strategy in not playing Greenwood in the right-wing. As a result, the right side of the pitch was completely looking unused. Man Utd’s attack was looking more prominent than Leicester City as the foxes have managed just two shots on target.
Now United will face Wolves on 30th of December at the Old Trafford on the back of this draw. Nuno will be desperate enough get back on their winning ways when they face United and have Spurs today to begin momentum during the busy December period.
