Manchester United 3-0 Leicester City: Five things noticed, two underrated performances highlighted

Five things noticed as Manchester United secured a 3-0 win over Leicester City in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Ruud van Nistelrooy chose to pick Marcus Rashford over Alejandro Garnacho as Manchester United faced Leicester City during the Dutchman’s final game in charge as interim boss.

The Premier League encounter started with Amad Diallo seeing plenty of the ball, picking up where he left off last week. After 16 minutes, a fantastic backheel from the Ivorian winger laid the ball to Bruno Fernandes, who opened the scoring with a brilliant curling effort from the edge of the area.

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

With early dominance established, United continued to search for chances. Their second of the afternoon came after Fernandes headed a Noussair Mazraoui cross into Victor Kristiansen’s knee. The Leicester defender scored an own goal with five minutes of the first half left to play.

The second half was slower, with United comfortable containing their 2-0 lead and looking to see out the fixture with a clean sheet, stifling Leicester City where possible.

Van Nistelrooy made a whole host of second-half changes, with substitute Alejandro Garnacho scoring a fantastic curling effort with eight minutes left on the clock to hand United a 3-0 lead, assisted by Fernandes.

Although Fernandes will no doubt gain the plaudits, underrated displays by Amad and Manuel Ugarte are highlighted in our five things noticed from the game.

#1 – The Amad Diallo Guarantee

Again, Amad Diallo was fantastic, picking up from where he had left off against PAOK. Before Fernandes’ goal, it was the 22-year-old who hunted down a clearance from Højlund to force the ball into Leicester’s half before eventually assisting his captain for the opening strike.

Despite his inconsistent starts throughout the last six months, Amad is showing that he can almost guarantee a good performance despite this being his first league start since September.

It’s only the second time he has played all 90 minutes this season, but expect that to become a much more regular occurrence in the coming months.

#2 – Diogo Dalot needs a rest

The Leicester tie marked Diogo Dalot’s 44th start for Manchester United in a row, and it feels like this is taking a toll on the player. He struggled in the first half, and his performances in the last few games have been below his usual standards.

Granted, he had almost no choice, with neither Luke Shaw nor Tyrell Malacia having been available since March, and the return of both left-backs to first-team training may be a blessing for him.

The Portuguese international was substituted just before 60 minutes, with Jonny Evans replacing him. With two weeks until Rúben Amorim takes charge of his first game, Dalot must reset his current form.

#3 – Manuel Ugarte’s fantastic display

After a poor start to the season from the new midfielder, Ugarte has performed well under Van Nistelrooy’s interim guidance.

Amongst Leicester was his usual energetic self, but more importantly, he looked more confident on the ball, which had been his problem during the open months at the club.

Amorim explained earlier this week that he’s looking forward to being reunited with the player he managed in Portugal two seasons ago, and Ugarte will no doubt feel the same.

#4 – Rashford’s final lifeline

A conversation must be had surrounding Marcus Rashford. Since his 30-goal campaign during 2022/23, he has not been up to his previous standards, with the 27-year-old failing to impress in most of his performances this season.

There is little doubt that he has the talent, but it feels as if he can be a little shy on the ball or without ideas – something Amorim will no doubt look into.

He came off just before the hour mark, replaced by Alejandro Garnacho, who brought much-needed energy to the left wing. It feels as if Amorim’s arrival may be Rashford’s final chance at the club, and he must return to his talismanic self if he wants to continue.

#5 – A perfect farewell for Ruud

The Leicester win provides Ruud van Nistelrooy with the perfect farewell as United’s interim manager.

He has led by example, galvanised the players after Erik ten Hag’s sacking, and handled the transition with grace and humility. He handed over a much healthier squad to Amorim ahead of a new chapter at United.

Regardless of whether he says his goodbyes or remains at the club beyond today, he has done himself proud.

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