Another win for Manchester United as they swept Leicester City away with a 2-0 victory at Old Trafford. It was a tough test of patience and character and the Red Devils did it without much show of effort, although it was hard work in the first half.
They made it look easy after a point. They held their nerve, performed like intelligent tacticians on the pitch and dug out victory against the well-structured Foxes.
Here are our Manchester United’s player ratings –
David De Gea – 8/10
Stellar, confident performance in goal. Made important judgements, made text book saves along with the typical De Gea one off King. Reflex action at its very best.
Phil Jones – 8.5/10
Played shoulder to shoulder with Mahrez and Vardy, whenever they tried to run behind, committed only when needed and that too, sharply. Smart and accurate passing along with his presence, which was felt in the box in aerial duels.
Eric Bailly – 8/10
Quicker defender compared to Jones, played a similar game with a narrow centre back gap, but only difference was that he committed to silly fouls which could have been dangerous as Leicester like attacking with minimal passes.
Daley Blind – 8/10
Positioned himself really well and put in some good crosses. Wasn’t hassled all that much by Mahrez who had little service.
Antonio Valencia – 7.5/10
Safe and sound as always, knows what to do and where to be at the crucial time. Tracked down Albrighton whenever he came off his left flank into the box. Whipped in a number of crosses.
Nemanja Matic – 8/10
Dropped in deeper and allowed players a little more freedom around him, tactical move by Jose for sure. Disciplined performance by him, what Jose always wants, which helped Pogba run like a beast without a leash.
Paul Pogba – 8.5/10
There was no stopping him today. Made forward runs fearlessly, lobbed the ball into the box on more than a handful occasions and lined up the most number of shots, some of their almost being screamers.
Juan Mata – 6.5/10
Wasn’t at his best, crossing from right wing wasn’t as delightful as it was a week ago. Also looked lost while tracking back on a number of occasions. He scored a goal which was turned down though. He was substituted rather early.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 8/10
Looked sharp and willing to be a supplier. Pogba played more of a number 10 role and hence Mkhitaryan was operating deeper down the pitch from both sides, job well done though.
Antony Martial – 7.5/10
Made it uncomfortable for the defenders, ran at them, didn’t shy away, used both his feet to a good extent. The finishing touch was missing from the young lad today.
Romelu Lukaku – 6/10
Could have kept his 100% record going for his new club. It was a mixed performance for him. On one side, he used his strength to a very good effect, turned well but lost his composure after the penalty which was saved by Schmeichel down to his right, as Lukaku went for power and shot at an easier height for the keeper.
Substitutes
Marcus Rashford – 9/10
Brought in the pace that was needed to penetrate Leicester’s compact structure. Was in the right place when he scored beautifully. He was elusive in the final third and his direct running did the damage.
Marouane Fellaini – 8/10
Did his job. Stood in the middle, played forward passes, jumped and hopped and latched on to everything in the air and made box to box runs. Scored the second goal which might have been off side, but none the less, sealed the deal for United.
Jesse Lingard – 7/10
Didn’t get much play time but got the assist to the second goal, which was initially a shot. He looked fresh, active and was swift.