Manchester United made it three wins in three at The King Power Stadium, with a steady 1-0 win over bottom side Leicester City. Jadon Sancho netted his second of the season, following an excellent counter-attacking move.
Erik ten Hag named an unchanged side from the victory over Southampton, with new signings Casemiro and Antony starting on the bench and ineligible for selection, respectfully. Brendan Rodgers made three changes to the Leicester side that lost 2-1 to Chelsea: Daniel Amartey, Dennis Praet and Timothy Castagne making way for Wilfried Ndidi, Luke Thomas and James Maddison.
Similar to the Southampton game, United created plenty of chances with little to show for. The Red Devils manufactured their first decent opportunity just past the 10-minute mark. Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen unleashing a snapshot that brushed the post of Danny Ward’s goal.
The deadlock was broken in the 23rd minute, and deservedly so. Diogo Dalot spotted Bruno Fernandes in space, who knocked the ball onto striker Marcus Rashford. Rashford played an acute pass to the onrushing Jadon Sancho who rounded Ward in goal and tapped the ball into an empty net.
The first half continued in that fashion with United having a few half-chances. Leicester’s best opportunity of the half fell to the feet of winger Harvey Barnes. The Englishman cut-in and unleashed a rasping shot that went just wide of David de Gea’s top-right corner. Erik ten Hag would’ve gone into the interval happy with the performance of his side.
The Foxes’ best chance of the game fell to talismanic midfielder James Maddison. The former Norwich man lined up for a free-kick almost 30-yards out and struck a lovely attempt towards the top-right corner. De Gea got across quickly to push the ball away from goal, and that was as good as it got for the hosts.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Casemiro were introduced halfway through the half, and both left their mark on the game. Casemiro came on in the place of young Anthony Elanga, and the Brazilian dictated the show. Ronaldo had perhaps the best chance for a second. With five minutes to go, the legendary Portuguese striker attempted his trademark acrobatic bicycle kick, his shot went a whisker wide of Leicester’s goal.
Once again, United’s defence were fantastic. Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are looking more and more formidable with every game that passes. Diogo Dalot was particularly impressive as well today. The Portuguese right-back did an excellent job of silencing Barnes down the Leicester left, whilst also playing a key role in Jadon Sancho’s winner.
Ten Hag will be pleased with his sides performance as they look ahead to playing Arsenal on Sunday. With the introduction of Antony and Casemiro to the starting eleven, United fans will be excited at the prospect of a great contest with the Gunners.
