Manchester United Player Ratings vs Leicester City: Rashford penalty seals narrow win for Red Devils

Manchester United ended their three-game winless run, as they defeated Leicester City at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.

The game was off to a lively start as Manchester United almost scored just three minutes in, but Kasper Schmeichel did well to divert Andreas Pereira’s free-kick. Moments later, James Maddison pounced on a defensive lapse from the Red Devils, but David de Gea pulled off a fine stop to keep the scoreline intact.

Eight minutes in, Manchester United broke the deadlock as Marcus Rashford dispatched a perfect penalty after being felled in the box by Caglar Soyuncu. The chances dried out for both teams from thereon but, the Foxes’ left-back Ben Chilwell tested de Gea with a long-range effort at the half-hour mark only to be denied.

Post the half-time break, Leicester grew into the game, but found it difficult to create meaningful chances. Rashford came close with a free-kick for Manchester United, but saw his effort bounce off the woodwork, while Juan Mata and Daniel James spurned a couple of decent chances. It didn’t matter at the end though, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side held out for a narrow 1-0 win.

Manchester United moved into the fourth place in the Premier League table with the win and here is how we rated the performances of Solskjaer’s men against Leicester at home.

David de Gea: 7/10

Made amends for his poor displays in the past couple of matches as he pulled off a brilliant stop with his legs to deny James Maddison early in the game, before tipping Ben Chilwell’s hit from distance over the bar. The clean-sheet will have done his confidence a world of good.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 7/10

The summer signing started against the Foxes after having shrugged off a back problem that had ruled him out for England national duty. Was his typical solid self for the whole afternoon dealing with whatever came his way. Got forward well at times but failed to cause any problems to the opposition.

Victor Lindelof: 7/10

Apart from the early blip that led to Maddison’s chance in the first half, the Swedish centre-half defended fairly well. Lindelof dealt well with the threat posed by Demarai Gray cutting in from the flank, while helping his partner keep Jamie Vardy under the shackles. Made the most clearances (8) on the day.

Harry Maguire: 7.5/10

An assured display from the England international against his former employers. Did not put a foot wrong all afternoon as he completely nullified the threat posed by an in-form Jamie Vardy. Won everything in the air, was calm and composed on the ball especially after the break when Manchester United had a few problems keeping hold of possession.

Ashley Young: 7/10

The Manchester United captain showed his usefulness with a solid display at left-back. Strong in tackles, the veteran ensured very little went past him on the afternoon, while he combined well with Daniel James each time he ventured forward and sent in some good crosses as well. A hard-working display.

Scott McTominay: 8/10

Easily the stand out player on the field on Saturday afternoon. McTominay was full of energy and aggression as he charged up and down the pitch, helping his team start attacks while contributing immensely on the defensive side of things as well.

The Scot may not be the best passer, but always showed positive intent with his distribution and was constantly at hand to stop Leicester causing any problems at the back, earning a lot of plaudits from the supporters.

Nemanja Matic: 4/10

Making his first start of the season, the Serbian midfielder didn’t do much to justify his selection on the day. Was once again slow and lethargic in possession, slowing things down in transition, while he was far from assured in his defensive responsibilities, allowing the Foxes to get behind him with ease on a number of occasions.

Andreas Pereira: 6.5/10

Somewhat fortunate to have been retained in the side despite his ineffective displays so far, the academy graduate started off well, forcing Kasper Schmeichel into a top save from a brilliant free-kick. Worked his socks off for the team and played an important role leading up to United’s penalty, but lacked the quality end product to really stamp his authority on the game.

Juan Mata: 5/10

Handed another start in his preferred No. 10 role, the Spanish playmaker never really got into the thick of things against the Foxes. Often let down by his touches, Mata struggled to produce anything meaningful in the final third. Had a chance after the break, but could not convert. Subbed off for Tahith Chong.

Daniel James: 7/10

Lively as usual, the Welsh winger made life difficult for Leicester right-back Ricardo Pereira from the get go. Won the free-kick from which Andreas Pereira tested Schmeichel and drew a fair share of fouls throughout the game. Came close with a long-range effort, but was denied by the Foxes’ keeper. Another bright display from James.

Marcus Rashford: 7/10

Won the penalty early in the game and took it with great composure, sending Schmeichel the wrong way. Almost got a second after the break, but his well-hit free-kick bounced off the woodwork. Had very few opportunities in between, but ultimately his goal secured the win for Manchester United.

Substitutes

Fred: 6/10

Came on for Matic in the 67th minute to make his first appearance of the 2019-20 season. Was an improvement on the man he replaced as he improved Manchester United’s tempo going forward, while being responsible at the back. Should look to build on this.

Tahith Chong: 5.5/10

Thrown on in place of Mata for the final twenty minutes. Tried to make things happen and showed good intent, but was sloppy in possession more often than not.

Axel Tuanzebe: N/A

Stoppage-time substitute for Daniel James as United looked to protect their lead.