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When Leicester City came to Old Trafford on Saturday, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was under quite a bit of pressure. Manchester United had won just 1 of their first 4 games and Solskjaer as such, was desperate to get back to winning ways. However, the recent injury concerns had jeopardized his plans.
Manchester United were already without Luke Shaw, but in his press conference on Friday, Solskjaer had confirmed that Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial would also miss the game due to injuries. The Norwegian, as such, had to make a few changes in his first eleven.
Manchester United Starting XI: David de Gea; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Ashley Young; Nemanja Matic, Scott McTominay, Juan Mata; Daniel James, Marcus Rashford, Andreas Pereira.
Manchester United looked sharp and proactive from the start and went ahead when Marcus Rashford converted his penalty. However, it was Leicester City who ended the half stronger, even though the game went into the break at 1-0.
United failed to improve after the break and allowed Leicester City to pile the pressure on them in the second half. Thankfully, the Red Devils still managed to come away with a win at the end of the 90 minutes. Here, we look at the 5 men who were brilliant for Solskjaer and helped United win the game.
#5 Aaron Wan-Bissaka
The Englishman started the game very well and was assured as usual in the right-back role. Aaron Wan-Bissaka stayed compact at the back and also ventured forward at the start of the game to join the attack. He combined well with Andreas Pereira on the right and sent in a few decent crosses too. However, soon enough, the Englishman was pressed back as the Red Devils allowed the away side to take the upper hand in the game.
Despite Leicester City’s relentless pressure, Wan-Bissaka was unfazed at the back. The Englishman comfortably dealt with everything that came his way and refused to allow the opposition to get past him. He was crucial as United sealed a hard-earned home win and an even dearer clean sheet.
#4 Harry Maguire
The Englishman marshalled the defense with calmness and composure. Harry Maguire was wrong-footed with one long ball early in the game, but that was perhaps the only occasion that he looked vulnerable. Maguire ensured that Vardy had a quiet game and his towering presence brought relief to the United supporters, especially while defending set-pieces.
Maguire was also clever while stepping up from the back. He was aware that the Leicester City attack had the upper hand when breaking away in speed. Maguire, as such, took up intelligent positions at the back and was always at hand to stop Leicester from gaining a free run at De Gea in the United goal.
The Englishman’s aerial ability is a big bonus in this United team and Maguire easily won his aerial battles on the day. Maguire’s presence at the back was one of the reasons why United was able to successfully defend their 1-0 lead against a rugged Leicester City side.
#3 Scott McTominay
Scott McTominay had a new midfield partner from the start against Leicester City. Nemanja Matic got his first start of the season, but it was the Scottish midfielder who stole the show.
McTominay was bullish at the center of the park, dominating the play and taking a piece of the opposition during tackles. James Maddison and Ben Chilwell were earmarked for special treatment and McTominay was clever enough to time his tackles well to escape punishment.
The Scottish midfielder was also decent in his passing and use of the ball. McTominay did not try anything elaborate while in possession and kept the ball moving around the park.
He was massive when United lost the ball and battled on till the end of the game to shield his backline. McTominay has continued to improve with every game this season and against Leicester City, he showed a tenacious side that helped United seal the win.
#2 David De Gea
After losing his place in the Spain starting eleven during the international break, David De Gea had a point to prove. The Spaniard is still one of the best keepers in the world, but a recent lack of form had raised questions over his abilities.
De Gea only had one clean sheet from 4 games before the tie against Leicester City, so he knew he had to do something special to match up with the competition.
The Spaniard was called into action early in the game when a defensive lapse allowed James Maddison clear on goal. The Englishman hit the ball to near perfection, keeping it low and hard, but De Gea was up to the challenge.
The Spaniard saved brilliantly with his legs to keep his goal spotless and his team in the game.
Later in the first half, De Gea was at it again, saving well from a Ben Chilwell volley. De Gea’s tenacity and agility at the start of the game was very important for United and helped the Red Devils come away with a 1-0 win.
#1 Marcus Rashford
After scoring a brace in the first game of the season, Marcus Rashford had seen his thunder stolen by the emergence of Daniel James. Anthony Martial’s impact in the No. 10 role had put further pressure on him to deliver.
However, the Englishman seemed to run out of luck. He hit the upright against Crystal Palace from the spot and his contributions to the game were questioned after a series of no shows. Against Leicester City, Rashford had a chance to put all those doubts to bed and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
Early in the game, the Englishman drove into the box following a Juan Mata pass. His speed was too much for Caglar Soyuncu, the Turkish center back, who brought him down. United won a penalty and up stepped Rashford.
The Red Devils’ recent record from the spot was woeful, but none of that mattered. Cool as a cucumber, the Englishman sent Schmeichel the wrong way to give his team the lead.
Rashford also shook the upright from a free-kick and was United’s match-winner against Leicester City.
