Ole Gunnar Solskjaer faces even more pressure as Manchester United manager after his team’s 29-game unbeaten away run came to an end at the hands of a rampant Leicester City
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Solskjaer previews Man Utd’s clash with Leicester
Leicester City ended Manchester United’s 29-game unbeaten run away from home at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.
The Reds Devils took an early lead through a stunning Mason Greenwood goal but Youri Tielemans’ spectacular equaliser made it 1-1 just after the half-hour mark.
A faltering and lethargic United had David De Gea to thank for some late interventions in the hope of ensuring United came away from the match with a point.
But Caglar Soyuncu’s late strike appeared to have snatched the Foxes all three points before Marcus Rashford swiftly equalised on his return to action.
Jamie Vardy had other ideas, however, scoring a superb volley within 60 seconds of the restart as the pressure ramps up on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, whose side have gone three top-flight games without a win.
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Patson Saka then wrapped it up in the dying minutes.
The two teams came into the match winless from their past two Premier League outings and were aiming to recover quickly following the international break.
Leicester went unbeaten against United last season in three league and FA Cup meetings to end a run of three successive Red Devils victories since Solskjaer took charge.
Here are five talking points from the King Power Stadium.
Magic Mason
Typical of United’s recent performances, they started well on the back foot but a moment of individual brilliance got them in front.
After Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Bruno Fernandes’ deliberation, Mason Greenwood took it upon himself to make inroads, unleashing a left-footed screamer from 25 yards out to give his side the lead and Foxes goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel no chance.
The 20-year-old’s goal was his first in seven outings after starting the season on fire.
Jadon Sancho’s positioning on the left wing is testament to Greenwood’s good form as the academy graduate continues to flourish when the Red Devils need it most.
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Maguire’s unhappy homecoming
Just 12 minutes after United had taken the lead, they surrendered it and shot themselves in the foot.
David De Gea’s pass out to a sluggish Harry Maguire was quickly pounced on by ex-Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho, who pulled it back for Youri Tielemans.
The Belgian wasted no time, eloquently dinking the ball over a back-tracking De Gea and levelling the scores when the ball nestled home, as Leicester deservedly got back on equal terms.
Maguire found himself in a similar situation during the side’s 2-2 draw in the corresponding fixture last season – when Harvey Barnes was the profiter – and was unable to make amends this time around.
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Midfield misery for United
With Fred ruled out of the match due to featuring for Brazil in the early hours of Friday morning, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer opted for fresh legs in midfield.
He selected Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba, the latter of travelled back to England on Monday and picking up the UEFA Nations League with France alongside the injured Raphael Varane.
But the pair struggled as a pivot, often being bypassed and failing to dominate proceedings in the centre.
It added to the Red Devils’ issue in the position, with ‘McFred’ seemingly the only combination which truly frees Bruno Fernandes and offers defensive solidity most of the time.
Rashford’s scoring return
Having had shoulder surgery during pre-season after his exploits with England at Euro 2020, Marcus Rashford made his first appearance this campaign on the 65th-minute mark.
The national treasure received a welcome reception as he replaced Sancho, who had shown sparks of his usual self in the first half but struggled to make an impact after the break.
Deployed of the left, Rashford’s pace caused Leicester problems and he did well to set up Cristiano Ronaldo but the five-time Ballon d’Or winner missed the chance to get United a second with 15 minutes remaining.
But he stepped up himself to score an equaliser after Caglar Soyuncu had given the Foxes a 2-1 lead just as the closing stages loomed.
Vardy gives Leicester life
Rashford’s celebrations was short-lived, though, with Jamie Vardy’s volley within 60 seconds of the restart handing Brendnad Rodgers and co a much-needed win.
Timothy Castagane got the better of Aaron Wan-Bissaka out wide and the ball found its way to substitute Ayoze Perez.
The Spaniard pulled it back towards Vardy and the former England international lashed into the top corner as Red Devils stopper David De Gea stood no chance.
Rodgers and co last claimed a league victory in August and their supporters raised the roof at the King Power as the beat United there again after Daka netted a fourth.