Manchester United vs Leicester City Summary
Manchester United were dealt a huge blow in the battle for Champions League football as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Leicester City at Old Trafford. Former Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho gave the visitors the lead, however the Foxes lead lasted just three minutes. Brazilian international Fred found the back of the net, after Kasper Schmeichel kept out Bruno Fernandes’ initial effort.
With ten minutes remaining, James Maddison beat David de Gea at his near post to put the away side in front for the second time in the match. However, VAR intervened and the goal was ruled out due to a foul on Raphael Varane. Things could have been even worse for the Red Devils, as Scott McTominay could have seen red for a reckless challenge on Maddison.
United toothless without natural number nine
Ralf Rangnick’s side were extremely poor in the first half. There was no tempo or urgency in any of the passing or pressing. Leicester had the majority of the possession and were able to control the game and play the match on their own terms. United’s lack of number nine was also evident, as there wasn’t anyone in the frontline who could hold the ball up. Paul Pogba’s tame header from Luke Shaw’s cross was the closest either side came to scoring midway through the first half. Portuguese maestro Fernandes should have put his side in front on the stroke of half time, however he was denied by Schmeichel’s left boot.
In the second half, the visitors grew more into the game, however United were as toothless as they were in the first period. Marcus Rashford was brought on in hope of rejuvenating this United side, who didn’t look like scoring. However, it was the Foxes who began playing with more intent with Harvey Barnes causing full back Diogo Dalot all kinds of problems. But it was Iheanacho who put Leicester in front. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall began the counter attack by dispossessing Fernandes and shifting it to Maddison. Leicester’s number ten swung in an inviting cross, which was met by Iheanacho. The striker rose above Varane to head the ball into the bottom corner. De Gea got a hand to the ball, but he was unable to keep it out.
Fred comes to United’s rescue against Leicester
This goal made United come alive and the home side hit back immediately. Fred marked his 100th Premier League apperance with his fourth goal of the season. It was Rodgers’ side who came close to taking the lead late on. Wesley Fofana and Iheanacho both had opportunities to put Leicester in front, but de Gea stood firm on both occasions. De Gea’s save from Fofana was simply sensational. Jadon Sancho snatched at a chance late on, while Anthony Elanga took the ball off Rashford as he was preparing to the strike the ball. The Reds have now lost further ground in the race for top four and it is looking more and more likely that they won’t be playing Champions League football next season.
Manchester United vs Leicester City Player Ratings
David de Gea 6/10
Had nothing to do in the first half, but was called into action during the second half. Should have done better with Iheanacho’s header as he got a hand to it. Made a brilliant save to deny Fofana from close range. Was beaten at his near post by Maddison, although the goal was disallowed.
Diogo Dalot 5/10
Put in some decent crosses in the second half and got himself into more promising positions. Was second best in his battle with Barnes. Needs to improve defensively.
Harry Maguire 7/10
One of his best performances in his underwhelming season. Was solid for the entire 90 minutes and made some key challenges and interceptions. Looked calm when on the ball and played some beautiful long passes to both flanks. Needs to put these performances in every week.
Raphael Varane 5/10
Wasn’t at his best and let himself down in the first half with some wayward passing. Didn’t bring the ball out from the back effectively. Not a performance that is typically associated with the Frenchman.
Luke Shaw 4/10
Was booked early on and rarely got forward to support attacks like he does for England. Looked unfit and overweight, which is very concerning. Put a decent cross into the box midway through the first half. Was taken off at halftime with yet another injury.
Scott McTominay 3/10
Was negative when on the ball and didn’t offer himself when Maguire and Varane had the ball. Extremely sloppy with his passing in the first half and should have been sent off for a reckless challenge in the second. A shocking display from the midfielder.
Fred 7/10
Won the ball back high up the pitch and sent Fernandes one on one with Schmeichel. Calm on the ball and chose the right options. Scored a poachers goal in at a vital point in the match. Has been United’s best performer since Rangnick took charge. Man of the match display from the Brazilian.
Anthony Elanga 4/10
Very direct and aggressive in the first half with his runs, but had little impact on the game. Gave possession away cheaply and took the ball off Rashford, when the striker was about to get his shot off. Worked hard but the pressure got the better of him.
Jadon Sancho 3/10
A very poor performance from the winger. Lacked confidence and rarely looked to take on his man. His wayward pass, which sent Iheanacho through on goal epitomized his performance in this match. Passive and had no impact on the game whatsoever. A surprising performance considering the level that he has been performing at in recent weeks.
Bruno Fernandes 6/10
Tried everything to spark some magic in United’s final third. Didn’t stop running for the whole 90 minutes. Should have had two goals to his name, but Schmeichel was able to deal with both efforts with ease. Wasn’t effective as a false nine but improved when he was put back in his usual role.
Paul Pogba 4/10
Like Fernandes he was initially put in more of a false nine role and then was put back in his usual role, due to having no impact on the game. Had a decent effort on target in the first half and sent Rashford on a run with a stunning long-range pass. Didn’t play with any passion and looked un-interested at times. The Frenchman’s days at United look to becoming to an inevitable end.
Subs
Alex Telles 3/10
Had a poor game after coming on at half time. Didn’t impact the game in the final third and was wasteful in possession. Caught out by Maddison’s cross for Iheanacho’s goal. A poor cameo from the fullback.
Marcus Rashford 6/10
Should of started the game as the false nine experiment was also ineffective against Manchester City. Didn’t do a lot on or off the ball, but did offer a threat in behind. Was denied a goal by his own teammate in the dying stages.
Nemanja Matic 6/10
Instantly impacted the game. Brought some much-needed composure and urgency to United’s midfield. Did a much better job than Pogba and McTominay with less time on the pitch.
Manager: Ralph Rangnick 4/10
His decision to play without a natural number nine was baffling and was extremely costly. The first half was abysmal from the Reds with Gary Neville suggesting that the home side were lucky to come away with a point. Matic should of started the game as he had more impact than both Pogba and McTominay with his introduction the Reds got more control in the midfield battle against Leicester. The side’s defensive fragilities were evident yet again and there was no creativity whatsoever. The subs were like for like and came a bit too late.
