5 Things: Leicester City vs Manchester United Analysis

Manchester United travelled to the King Power Stadium to face top-four rivals Leicester, with the Foxes knowing only a win would do and United just needing a point. The game was end-to-end and the biggest chances of the first half fell for Marcus Rashford, who made room for himself and hit a powerful volley towards goal, but it was well saved by Schmeichel. Leicester almost scored in the first half, as Vardy saw his looping header hit the frame of the goal. United went ahead after former Red, Johnny Evans brought down Martial for United’s 14^th Premier League penalty of the season. Bruno Fernandes stepped up and put United on course for the Champions League.

Leicester had some chances to equalise through Morgan and Barnes but the red card of Johnny Evans for a dangerous lunge meant the foxes struggled going forward. The victory was capped off by a Jesse Lingard goal, his first in the league this season after Schmeichel gave the ball away. An excellent win for Manchester United but disappointment for Leicester.

1. Champions League

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At the start of the season, many doubted if the inexperienced Solskjaer would be able to guide this United side into the top four and even in January it looked unlikely that the Red Devils would miss out. However, a fantastic 19 game unbeaten run and the inspired signing of Fernandes has transformed United and taken them up to third in the table. It was not a vintage display by Manchester United, who looked tired after the hectic schedule since the restart, but they showed the resilience, grit and determination you need to win football matches. United were on a bit of a dip in form going into the game against the Foxes, with a defeat against Chelsea before a draw with West Ham, but the Reds were clinical against Leicester. The win was capped off by Lingard’s first goal of the season, a sign that the squad are continuing to improve under Solskjaer heading into next season.

2. Bruno Delivers

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He did not have an amazing game, but he showed his quality, calmness and composure from the penalty spot, sending Schmeichel the wrong way and sending Manchester United into the Champions League. The Portuguese star has quickly established himself as a fans favourite at Old Trafford, with his braveness in possession and eye for goal. He has an incredible 8 goals and 7 assists in just 14 appearances in the Premier League, no player has more goal involvements in the league since he made his debut in February! Lots of fans and pundits alike wrote off Fernandes when he signed with concerns about how quickly he would adapt to English football, but from minute one, Bruno Fernandes has slotted into this United side and proved himself to be one of the best playmakers in Europe. Ad his impact at United has not stopped there, as his performances has lifted the pressure off of players like, Paul Pogba, who has been given much more freedom to express himself, knowing that he does not need to create everything for the Reds. A truly excellent signing who is well on his way to establishing himself as United’s main man.

3. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer excellently rejuvenated United after the dismissal of Mourinho and master classed that stunning comeback against PSG in the Champions League last season. The United board had no choice but to hand him the job full time. But disappointing results left fans calling for the inexperienced Norwegian to be sacked, however, following an embarrassing defeat to Burnley proved to be the starting point for a 19-match-unbeaten run as United climbed up the table and eventually broke down the 7 point lead that Leicester City had over them, to secure Champions league football. Third place in the league, FA cup semi-finalists and still in the Europa League is certainly not bad for a young team that is rebuilding and learning all the time. Solskjaer has got the best out of Rashford, Martial, Lindelof and Matic, we are still yet to see the best from Pogba, but the Frenchman has looked impressive alongside Fernandes and at times this season, they have looked like the formidable United of old.

4. Lindelof!

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Lindelof was written off as a flop under Mourinho, however, the Swedish international has grown into a good centre back under Solskjaer. Whilst 80 million pounds, Maguire, is the one who often gets all the praise, it is Lindelof who gets all the criticism. He has been doubted massively this season, with rumours of Solskjaer wanting to invest in a new centre back, however, he has been United’s most underrated performer this season, barely putting a foot wrong against Leicester. Heading was seen as one of his biggest weaknesses, however against Leicester he had won 100% of all his aerial duels. He also won all his tackles and managed to nullify golden boot winning Jamie Vardy, in a man-of-the-match performance. A brilliant performance that shows why he should be starting at Old Trafford next season.

5. What’s Next?

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Manchester United now have a well-earnt break with their next game over a week away, against LASK in the Europa League, with the Reds already in control after an impressive first leg. Manchester United have already confirmed Champions League football next season but will want to finish what has been an unprecedented season in style with some silverware.