Manchester United are beginning to push their sorry start to the Premier League season to the back of the mind, following a third straight victory on the bounce.
The Red Devils took to the pitch amid the familiar chorus of ‘Glazers Out‘, as fans once again showed their distaste for the owners. However those tones soon took on a more optimistic cadence as the travelling support against Leicester City watched an accomplished first half performance from Erik ten Hag’s side.
In spite of early possession for the home side, United defended with aplomb, looking comfortable. Simultaneously gaps began to appear down the right side for Manchester United and when Bruno Fernandes slipped Marcus Rashford into space, he found his compatriot Jadon Sancho in behind the defence. Ice cold, Sancho nipped around Danny Ward to give United the lead.
Marcus Rashford registers his 40th Premier League assist. Cristiano Ronaldo is the only active Man Utd player with more (49).
Timed to perfection. ✨ pic.twitter.com/Js7mWepJfx
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) September 1, 2022
The second half started with a little more ambition from Leicester and that brought an excellent stop out of David de Gea, who had to stretch to keep James Maddison out.
As time ticked on United put together one or two neat passing moves but couldn’t slice through the Leicester defence. Cristiano Ronaldo and Casemiro joined the action, the latter adding plenty composure in midfield.
During the final ten minutes Leicester’s advances up the pitch only left Ronaldo with more space to work with, but neither his overhead kick nor a shot across goal could trouble Ward again. Only a late half-chance for James Justin in stoppage time threatened United’s three points.
This was a long way from a pretty for United, but it was a highly competent performance. Limiting Leicester to two efforts on target, ten Hag’s side looked assured at the back and although Leicester’s lack of cutting edge contributed, there was plenty to be pleased about for the Dutch manager. After three wins on the bounce, the degree of progress will be put to the test this weekend as they take on a perfect Arsenal side on Sunday.
