Leicester City 0-2 Manchester United: 5 talking points | EPL 2019-20
Manchester United beat Leicester City 2-0 in the Premier League, qualifying for the Champions League in the process.
The game lacked quality, with both sides nervy and sloppy for major parts of the game. Manchester United, in particular, did not enjoy the best of starts, with the Foxes playing some good football.
After a drab first-half, the game came into life in the second half, when Leicester City centre-backs Wes Morgan and Jonny Evans combined to give away a penalty to the Red Devils. Bruno Fernandes converted from the spot, easing pressure on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men.
The game became dull once more post the penalty, with the Red Devils in particular happy to sit back and build slowly. A late late goal by Jesse Lingard sealed the deal for his side, after a poor mistake from goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.
The result means that Manchester United will play in Europe's premier competition next season, while the Foxes will have to settle for a spot in the Europa League.
#5 Sloppy first-half for Manchester United
This has become a common theme for Manchester United. The Red Devils have had a slow start to their games for some time now, and it was no different against Leicester City.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men looked nervous on the ball, leading to some sloppy passes from the likes of veteran midfielder Nemanja Matic. Captain Harry Maguire, a former Foxes player, had some sloppy moments as well. Goalkeeper David de Gea nearly committed another howler, only to be saved by the offside flag.
This is not to say that they did not have their moments. Mason Greenwood's header was too high, while there was some good passing play between Bruno Fernandes and Anthony Martial. However, these moments were few and far between, with Leicester City a better side during the initial phases of the match, if only slightly.
#4 Manchester United miss Luke Shaw
A statement that might not many would have imagined a few months ago, but it was clear that Manchester United missed left-back Luke Shaw.
Shaw has had a good season this time around by all accounts. Having had a disastrous spell under Jose Mourinho post his horrible double leg-break, the England international has found his confidence under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The left-back has provided width for United, with his overlapping runs helping left-winger Marcus Rashford, who prefers to cut inside onto his right foot.
However, with Shaw injured, young Brandon Williams has deputized in his place. While Williams has been good, there is clearly room for improvement. Williams is right-footed, which doesn't help if you play as a left-back. He has often looked shaky, while his attacking runs are yet to be refined.
He is certainly good competition for Shaw, but the former Southampton man should remain the first-choice for Solskjaer when he comes back.
#3 Leicester City's defence holds up, bar the penalty
Much was made of Leicester City's absent stars. The defence especially, was missing Caglar Soyuncu due to suspension and Ben Chilwell and Ricardo Pereira due to injuries. All played key roles in defence for the Foxes this season, and there were suspicisions about the quality that would be on display today.
James Justin, Wes Morgan, Jonny Evans and Luke Thomas formed the defensive backline, and they stood solid. Against a dangerous Manchester United attack including the likes of Martial, Rashford, Fernandes and Mason Greenwood, the back four did their job incredibly well, closing down spaces and giving little room to the Manchester United stars.
While the Red Devils did have their chances, they were few and far between. Justin, in particular, produced a few crunching tackles, while Evans and Morgan showcased their experience. The penalty may have been been a disappointing outcome, but there were certainly more positives than negatives. Young left-back Luke Thomas looked dangerous going forward, and looks set to have a bright future in the game.
The Red Devils were not at their very best, but Leicester managed to contain the quality that their opposition possessed.
Also Read: Reports: Barcelona aiming to complete Lautaro Martinez deal by next month
#2 Victor Lindelof was the best player for Manchester United
There have been comments on how the Manchester United defence have operated this season.
There is no denying that Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are talented players, but the lack of pace in both centre-backs has meant that United are said to be targeting a player in that position. Since Maguire cost a record amount of money, it has been assumed that the potential new centre-back will partner him.
However, Lindelof has had a good season, very quietly. The Sweden international has been a divisive figure among United fans, but he enjoyed an excellent game against Leicester City. Strong in the air and dominating physically, the former Benfica man looked assured on the ball, perhaps the only player in red to look that way.
Lindelof may have his faults, but his calm demeanour has been vital for United this season. It was evident during today's game.
#1 Manchester United qualify for Champions League
With the situation boiling down to the final match week, the question on everyone's mind was: Who will qualify for the Champions League next season?
Chelsea, Manchester United and Leicester City were all in the equation for the remaining two spots. Chelsea comfortably beat Wolverhampton Wanderers, while Manchester United managed to get the win over the Foxes.
With the amount of money involved, it was imperative that the Red Devils qualified for Europe's premier club competition next season. This will also play a major role in the club being able to attract the likes of Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho, and other such targets.
While the performance was far from perfect, manager Solskjaer would certainly be happy with the result. After a poor first half of the season, the club managed to turn their fortunes around post the arrival of midfielder Bruno Fernandes.
There is work to be done, but for now, United should be happy.
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