Manchester United vs Leicester City: 5 Hits and Flops

Manchester United initiated their Premier League campaign with a rather convincing 2-1 victory over Claude Puel’s Leicester City. Paul Pogba converted an early spot-kick and Luke Shaw doubled the lead in the 83rd minute.

Jamie Vardy poached a goal in the dying embers of the game, but United managed to keep hold of their nerves to see the game through.

Paul Pogba captained United tonight, as the Frenchman started the game against all odds. United were slick and cohesive earlier but dropped their intensity as they grew into the game.

Leicester City’s attacking moves were absorbed by United’s backline, and eventually, it was enough for Jose Mourinho’s team to emerge victorious from this game. Here, I opine five players who endured contrasting fortunes in this match:

5. Flop: Alexis Sanchez

Alexis Sanchez started from the left flank, and wasn't clinical enough to justify a promising start to the game. He looked up to the task initially, but Sanchez became sloppier as the game progressed as he couldn't complete the easiest of passes. Despite having delivered four key passes throughout the game, Sanchez was a liability in possession of the ball.

There needs to be more cohesion, better communication and more attacking moves like these. Sanchez tended to lose the ball regularly, something that was worrisome, as he hardly seemed in control of the match.

He misplaced passes and delivered the ball directly to the opposition on certain occasions outside the box. Sanchez registered a passing accuracy of 64.9%, considerably low for a winger playing in the Premier League.

He played two subtle passes, which should have resulted into goals but Juan Mata and Romelu Lukaku shot wide, he needs to up his game.

4. Hit: Demarai Gray

Gray put in a defensive shift when required

The Leicester City winger endured a productive game, as he was excellent on both attacking and defensive fronts.

Gray used his pace and footwork to good effect as he caused consistent trouble to United’s backline as he got behind from the left flank and looked to send some testing deliveries into the box.

Gray was threatening during counter-attacks, as his raw pace and overall qualities would have delighted the manager.

He displayed some great tenacity by running behind the ball and tracked down his marker until the final minute. Gray’s ability to maintain the same level of energy and enthusiasm throughout matches is certainly impressive, and the 22-year-old would only go upwards from this performance against United.

3. Hit: Wilfried Ndidi:

The Nigerian defensive midfielder’s energy at the centre of the park meant that United did not have a breather with the ball at their feet. He was quick and agile, always looking to press the opponent into losing the ball.

He put in crucial challenges and stayed close to his marker, often pressurizing them into losing the challenge rather than tackling himself. Ndidi played in a quite defensive role, as his primary task is to shield the defence rather than provide passes ahead.

Hence, his limitations with the ball were visible, as the Ndidi tended to launch the long-ball ahead or pass it backward. He tackled and intercepted twice, and delivered a key pass into the box.

Ndidi was a constant menace for United’s midfielders as he blocked their passing lanes. Moreover, he did a good job overall in blocking the flow of the game.

2. Flop: Daniel Amartey

Amartey needs to improve his decision-making

Amartey started as the right back but rarely provided any decent attacking outlet through that flank. He was dire and inconsistent with the ball, often making the wrong decision on the other half despite having overlapped well.

His crossing was poor, and Amartey largely focused on maintaining the possession of the ball. Defensively, he had little to do as he tackled and intercepted once, whilst putting in one key pass in the game.

His poor offensive contribution meant that Leicester had to attack through the centre or from the left flank, as they hardly spread the play and gradually their attacking pattern became more predictable.

Amartey had some chances to get behind Luke Shaw to send in some lobbed crosses into the box, but he refrained from doing so and rather passed it backward from a promising position on the other half.

1. Hit: Fred

Manchester United’s summer acquisition directly fitted into the team, as Fred’s energy and dynamism was clearly visible on the pitch. It became apparent that he was adding something unique to the setup, as Fred’s overall game was quite promising today.

He was defensively adept, as the Brazilian was everywhere in the midfield, looking recover the ball cleanly. Fred was a tad bit harsh at times, but he otherwise brought a zestful vibe on the field.

His defensive contribution, coupled with his passing range and the ability to switch the play through flanks would be an amazing addition to United’s style of play. Moreover, on one occasion, he charged ahead through the right flank and delivered an inverted cross into the box.

This could be particularly useful for the team when they lack options and attacking openings from the right wing. Fred was undoubtedly the best player on the pitch against the Foxes, as he showed no signs of rustiness and swiftly adapted to the nature of the Premier League.

Edited by Sai Krishna