Man Utd Player Ratings: Leicester City Match Review - A Tale of Two Halves
Manchester United secured a crucial 3-0 victory over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, but the performance was far from convincing. The Red Devils were sluggish in the first half but found their rhythm in the second, ultimately showcasing their class to claim all three points. Here's a detailed breakdown of the individual performances:
Goalkeeper
David de Gea (7/10): De Gea was mostly a spectator in the first half but was called into action in the second. He was confident and assertive, making a crucial save from James Maddison to deny Leicester a clear-cut chance.
Defenders
Diogo Dalot (7/10): Dalot was solid defensively, providing crucial cover for Aaron Wan-Bissaka. He also offered a threat going forward, making dangerous runs down the right flank.
Raphael Varane (7/10): Varane was dominant in the air and a commanding presence in the heart of the defense. He dealt with the threat of Jamie Vardy with ease.
Lisandro Martinez (7/10): Martinez was his usual tenacious self, winning tackles and aerial duels with conviction. He anchored the backline, bringing much-needed stability.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (6/10): Wan-Bissaka struggled to contain the pace of Harvey Barnes in the first half. He improved in the second, but his attacking contribution was limited.
Midfielders
Casemiro (8/10): Casemiro was the midfield general, dictating the tempo and winning possession with his usual ferocity. His presence provided much-needed solidity to the United midfield.
Christian Eriksen (7/10): Eriksen was a constant threat with his intelligent movement and passing. He linked up well with the attacking players and created several chances.
Bruno Fernandes (7/10): Fernandes was a livewire throughout the game, providing the spark that ignited the United attack. His pressing and creativity were instrumental in the second-half turnaround.
Forwards
Marcus Rashford (8/10): Rashford was the star of the show, scoring a brace and showcasing his blistering pace and finishing ability. He was a constant threat to the Leicester defense.
Jadon Sancho (7/10): Sancho was a menace on the left flank, creating numerous chances with his intelligent runs and clever passing. He provided the assist for Rashford's first goal.
Alejandro Garnacho (6/10): Garnacho was lively and direct, showcasing his raw talent. He offered a different dimension to the attack but lacked the final touch to make a real impact.
Substitutes
Anthony Martial (7/10): Martial came on and made an instant impact, providing the assist for Rashford's second goal. He injected much-needed energy into the attack.
Fred (6/10): Fred came on to solidify the midfield and offered defensive stability.
Overall: Manchester United were far from their best but ultimately got the job done. The team showed great character to overcome a lackluster first half and secure a vital victory. The performance highlights the importance of the likes of Casemiro and Rashford, while the team's depth and adaptability also proved to be crucial factors in the win. This victory will boost United's confidence going into the upcoming games.