Manchester United’s five things noticed vs Leicester City as Rúben Amorim change pays off (Premier League)

Five things noticed as Manchester United swept past Leicester City with a 3-0 Premier League victory over Leicester City on a chilly Sunday evening.

Rúben Amorim chose to start André Onana in goal despite a slight illness as Manchester United travelled to face Leicester City in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

The fixture started with half-chances falling to both teams in the opening 20 minutes, but it took until around half an hour for the deadlock to be broken as Rasmus Højlund finished off a superb pass from Bruno Fernandes.

With United leading, Leicester pushed back to find an equaliser before half-time as Wilfred Ndidi and Patson Daka came close, although they failed to convert as the referee called an end to the opening 45 minutes.

Ayden Heaven had to be stretchered off early in the second half and was replaced by Toby Collyer, and although Alejandro Garnacho had the ball in the next not too long after, his finish was ruled out for offside.

However, the 20-year-old finally grabbed his goal ten minutes later with a cracking finish on the turn to slam game United’s second of the game. With Amorim’s men firmly in control of the fixture, Fernandes scored an exquisite finish in the final to round the tie with a 3-0 win.

#1 – Fernandes had license to push up

In the last three games, United have been playing with Casemiro partnering Fernandes in midfield and Amorim setting his side up in a lower block.

However, against Leicester, it was Ugarte who played in the middle, with United starting slightly further up the field, and the Uguauayan’s presence over Casemiro meant the deepest midfielder could cover more ground, which allowed Fernandes to press higher up the pitch.

Amorim’s decision to allow Fernandes this license paid dividends, with the player creating United’s first two goals and scoring an impeccable effort of his own on the night to once again show just how indispensable is at the club.

#2 – Heaven’s gutting injury cut a great display short

Ayden Heaven started only his second-ever game for the club and his first in the Premier League, with United stripped of many centre-back options against Leicester.

However, just like against Real Sociedad, the 18-year-old was fantastic. He looked comfortable on the ball, happy to get stuck in physically against Jamie Vardy and Daka, and did not panic during nervy moments.

It was unfortunate to see the youngster stretchered off early in the second half after going down following a challenge at the back post, and we can only hope the injury is not as bad as it looks.

#3 – Amass’ debut helped raise the mood

With United fans no doubt feeling flat after Heaven’s heartbreaking injury and substitution, the mood was raised a bit when Amorim chose to hand Academy star Harry Amass his United debut on his 18th birthday.

Coming on to play left wing-back with a little over 20 minutes left to play, Amass looked comfortable on the ball, although he was not too involved with the tie winding down as he entered the field.

He had some encouraging moments and looked to head forward and support the attacking line when needed, putting in a cross almost as soon as he came on. It’s expected that he will play at least a few more fixtures before the season closes.

#4 – A night to end multiple droughts

United’s win against Leicester was an evening that allowed many players and the team themselves to finally break long-awaited droughts, giving fans something to be hopeful for as the international break looms.

Read More: Player Ratings – Leicester City vs Manchester United (Premier League)

Højlund’s goal was his first in 21 fixtures, while Garnacho’s allowed him to celebrate a goal for the first time in 25 games – two of United’s attacking threats finally being back on the scoresheet is a huge boost for Amorim.

Beyond this, Højlund’s goal was United’s first from open play since a 3-2 loss against Nottingham Forest on 7 December – another poor run finally broken.

#5 – Heading into the international break with a smile

Heaven’s injury aside, United will be able to head into the upcoming March international break with a smile on their faces, which is key for the club.

Amorim is heading into the final few months at the end of a chaotic period at the club, and with only a few select players heading out to their international clubs in the next two weeks, Amorim has time with some of his squad.

United have played a lot of football in the last few weeks, so the international break allows the players to rest and recover and gives Amorim time to continue his teachings on the training ground, and the Sunday evening win will only help lift the mood.

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