Manchester United bounced back from their dour goalless draw against Hull City in the midweek in style, thrashing Premier League title holders Leicester City 3-0 at the King Power Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Jose Mourinho’s men started off slowly again as they struggled to get into a rhythm, playing in a 4-4-2 setup with Zlatan Ibrahimović and Marcus Rashford up top. It was a scrappy affair for a good part of the first 20 minutes after which Rashford spurned a chance following some good work from Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Juan Mata. United’s frustrations were starting to show and Juan Mata luckily got away with a yellow card after a dreadful lunge on Jamie Vardy, before Kasper Schmeichel was forced into a save by Rashford.
As half-time approached, United burst into life. First Mkhitaryan raced into the box from the halfway mark to score the opener, and not a minute later, Zlatan made it two, finishing a low cross from Antonio Valencia from the right-side. And Mata made it three, soon after the break, following a neat interplay with Mkhitaryan. Both of them missed decent chances later in the game to increase United’s lead but Leicester did not get a sight at goal and the Red Devils finished comfortable winners.
United received a big boost to their top-four spot race, and now sit just two points behind fourth-placed Arsenal and will look to keep the momentum going. Let’s take a look as to how the United players fared on the day:
David De Gea – 6/10
Was hardly called into action for the length of the game. Distribution from the back was good as usual. One of the easiest clean sheets he will have kept.
Antonio Valencia – 7/10
Another good display from the Ecuadorian. Got forward excellently throughout the game and set up Ibrahimović’s goal with a lovely low cross.
Eric Bailly – 7/10
Had a walk in the park at the back on his return to first-team. Made an excellent block on Ahmed Musa in the first-half, kept up with the pace of Vardy and dealt with him easily.
Chris Smalling – 7/10
With Vardy taken care of by Bailly, he did not have much threat to deal with and made short work of whatever came his way. A smart flicked header set Mkhitaryan on his way for the opener. Comfortable display.
Marcos Rojo – 6/10
Had to deal with the danger of Riyad Mahrez out on the flanks, but dealt with the Algerian international well. Was replaced by Daley Blind at half-time, presumably due to an injury.
Ander Herrera – 7/10
Used the ball smartly, helped United stay camped in the attacking half with his distribution after starting the game on the back foot. Did the dirty work well too.
Paul Pogba – 6/10
Kept the ball well, did not let Leicester’s attacks develop. Did not offer much in the creative sense going forward, probably due to the lack of space, but kept it simple and drove United forward.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 9/10
Started the game on the left-flank, but was moved to a central position from where he wreaked havoc. Glided beautifully with pace and finished with aplomb for the opener for United. Played a lovely pass behind the defence for Mata to fire home the third.
Juan Mata – 7/10
Did nothing of note in the first period except for the clattering challenge on Vardy for which he will be counting himself lucky for not being sent off. Much improved in the second half, involved in a brilliant exchange with Mkhitaryan before hitting home. Should have had a brace but missed a gilt-edged chance.
Marcus Rashford – 6/10
Started alongside Ibrahimović in a 4-4-2, but was much more threatening after moving out on the flank after a switch of tactics. Forced a couple of saves from Kasper Schmeichel in the Leicester goal.
Zlatan Ibrahimović – 7/10
Finished his chance with great composure for United’s second goal and his twentieth of the season. Held up the ball well at the top as well.
Substitutes
Daley Blind – 7/10
Came on for Rojo at the beginning of the first-half and did not put a foot wrong. Solid in defence, good set-piece delivery, another reliable showing from Blind.
Marouane Fellaini – 6/10
Replaced Mata with 15 minutes left to play. Added a physical presence in the middle of the park.
Ashley Young – NA
Came on for Rashford with only six minutes to play.
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