Another scrappy win for Erik ten Hag’s side took them up to fifth place in the Premier League, courtesy of a 1-0 win over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
Jadon Sancho’s first-half goal, handed too him by some woeful Leicester defending, proved decisive despite an improved showing from the Foxes in the second half.
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The Red Devils dominated much of the opening period of the game, and took a deserved lead when a long ball from Diogo Dalot found Marcus Rashford, who played the ball to a free Jadon Sancho.
With a bit still to do, Sancho showed considerable poise to round goalkeeper Danny Ward before tapping the ball into the empty net and handing his side a slender advantage.
Making it look so easy 😍
Jadon Sancho puts Manchester United in the driving seat ✅ pic.twitter.com/rZXyKc50eK
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) September 1, 2022
The Foxes, booed off at the interval, improved in the second half. In truth, they could not get much worse. A James Maddison free kick forced a strong save out of David de Gea, and Brendan Rodgers’ side had the better of the chances without truly further testing the United no.1.
Half chances came at either end, with James Justin blazing over in stoppage time and Cristiano Ronaldo missing some tough chances in a second half that will be shortlived in most people’s memories, but that ensured Manchester United picked up a vital three points on the road.
📰 Table Of Contents
Leicester City
Danny Ward – 6
Had very little to do aside from pick the ball out of his net in the first half.
James Justin – 5
Caught horrendously out of position for Jadon Sancho’s goal, he was guilty of giving the ball away far too cheaply when attacking. Missing a good chance in stoppage time summed up his night.
Wilfried Ndidi – 6
Filled in at centre-back and, aside from being horridly caught out for the opening goal, gave a solid account of himself.
Jonny Evans – 6
Though occasionally Evans vs Ronaldo looked like a snail race in the second half, the Irishman was once again solid at the back when not caught in a foot race.
Luke Thomas – 5
Another poor outing for Thomas, who went missing for the only goal of the game.
Boubacar Soumare – 6
For a man who wasn’t expected to still be at the club, the Frenchman was a very solid performer at the base of Leicester’s midfield.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 5
Could not keep hold of the ball well enough, and was the poorest of Leicester’s midfielders on the night.
James Maddison – 7
Leicester’s best performer, Maddison saw a good free-kick saved well and was his side’s main threat.
Youri Tielemans – 6
Confirmed to be staying at the club by his involvement, the Belgian will have better nights in his last 12 months in a Leicester shirt.
Harvey Barnes – 5
Struggled to operate in the central areas and could not find a way past Diogo Dalot on the flanks.
Jamie Vardy – 4
Was kept almost anonymous by the Manchester United defence. Even the addition of Iheanacho in the second half couldn’t get the veteran involved.
Substitutes
Kelechi Iheanacho – 5
Came on to influence the game and could not do so, struggled against the Manchester United defenders,
Patson Daka – N/A
Came on for the final five minutes of the game.
Manchester United
David De Gea – 7
One very fine save from James Maddison, and looked increasingly assured with his feet.
Diogo Dalot – 7
Defended well and spotted the early ball to begin the move for Manchester United’s goal. A strong outing from the youngster.
Raphael Varane – 6
Kept Jamie Vardy very quiet, but in truth had a relatively easy evening with Leicester far from their best.
Lisandro Martinez – 6
Manchester United’s player of the month was once more solid in the heart of the defence, and seems to be forming a strong partnership with Varane.
Tyrell Malacia – 6
Still too keen to go to ground to win the ball, but continues to keep Luke Shaw out of the side with his endeavour and work rate.
Scott McTominay – 7
One of his best games for a while in a Manchester United shirt. The presence of Eriksen next to him certainly helps the Scot.
Christian Eriksen – 6
Brings poise and class to the Manchester United midfield, which helps them avoid the end-to-end 100mph football from last season.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
Still occasionally too careless with the ball, but continues to work hard and put in a strong performance against the foxes.
Anthony Elanga – 6
Solid and hardworking, and always happy to show for the ball, but did very little when he got it. Almost certain to lose his place to Antony against Arsenal.
Marcus Rashford – 6
It’s still unclear where Rashford fits into this side. Though he brings energy, he looks lost centrally, and in Antony and Sancho, the wide berths are taken.
Jadon Sancho – 7
Looks much better under Erik ten Hag than he has since he began at Manchester United, took his goal well in the first half but faded in the second.
Substitutes
Casemiro – 7
Helped calm the game down and showed his class. Will likely be thrown in from the start against Arsenal.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 7
Chances began to flow when Ronaldo came onto the pitch. Uncharacteristically, Ronaldo couldn’t take any of them.
Fred – N/A
Came on for the final 5 minutes of the encounter.
