Full Time: Manchester United 2-1 Leicester City
Manchester United were off to a winning start in the brand new season of the Premier League as goals from Paul Pogba and Luke Shaw secured a 2-1 victory over Leicester City at Old Trafford earlier in the day.
Pogba, who was named as the skipper, opened the scoring for United from the penalty spot after just 3 minutes, slotting the ball past goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel following a Daniel Amartey handball in the box.
But after the goal, Leicester slowly got their grip on the game and the only thing missing for them was the conversion, before Jamie Vardy’s second-half introduction. However, his stoppage-time effort proved too little, too late, as Shaw’s first senior goal for the club was enough for Jose Mourinho to start the new campaign on a winning note.
Before the second goal, Schmeichel somehow kept out substitute Romelu Lukaku’s shot from close range after the Belgium international found himself all alone in front of the Leicester goal.
Despite Vardy pulling one back in the stoppage time, the Red Devils just did enough to ensure all three points on the opening day of the 2018/19 campaign.
Manchester United Player Ratings
David De Gea – 8/10
Made a top-class save off James Maddison to preserve United’s half-time lead and made another alert stop from Demarai Gray. Couldn’t have done much to stop Leicester’s stoppage-time goal.
Matteo Darmian – 5/10
Had some moments of absolute mediocrity as the Leicester attackers targeted him. Defensively, he was very poor and attacking wise, he was very limited.
Victor Lindelof – 7/10
Took time to settle down but once he did, Lindelof looked good. He was composed with his distribution and cleared everything that came into the box.
Eric Bailly – 8/10
Another testament to why Bailly is the best defender United have at the moment. A brick wall at the ball, covered his partner when exposed and made some outstanding tackles. His fitness is so essential if United are to win the title.
Luke Shaw – 8/10
That was arguably Luke Shaw’s best performance in a United shirt. Showed great energy and grit, was solid defensively and offered a good attacking outlet on the left. Took his goal very well and it was a performance worthy of a shout.
Andreas Pereira – 7/10
Pereira did well in his maiden Premier League start for United. Kept things simple but was a bit rash in his defensive midfield role. With time, he will develop into a gem of a player.
Paul Pogba – 8/10
Fantastic! Played simple when required and looked hungry for the ball. Calmly slotted the penalty in the opening minutes of the game and held the ball well at times.
Fred – 5/10
Looked over-enthusiastic at times and conceded possession a number of times. Was lucky to stay on the pitch after kicking Demerai Gray from the back.
Juan Mata – 6/10
Mata was poor in the first half as he conceded possession a lot of times. He grew as the game wore on and picked up the assist for Shaw’s goal.
Alexis Sanchez – 4/10
He worked tirelessly as usual but the ball simply never looked like sticking to this feet. He was guilty of losing the ball often. Sanchez could have grabbed an assist had Lukaku scored.
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Marcus Rashford – 5/10
Rashford was left isolated and although he showed good energy, he has to do better when given chances to lead the attack.
Substitutes
Romelu Lukaku – 4/10
Lukaku brought some real energy to the team in the second half but squandered a glorious chance.
Scott McTominay – 4/10
McTominay was put on the pitch to shore up things.
Marouane Fellaini – 4/10
Fellaini was brought on late to see off the game.