MANCHESTER, England — An early Marcus Rashford penalty proved to be decisive as Manchester United secured their first win since the opening day of the season with a 1-0 victory against Leicester City on Saturday.
Positives
United’s penalty demons have been banished, for the time being at least, thanks to Rashford’s assured finish from the spot in the eighth minute. Meanwhile, a first clean sheet since the 4-0 victory over Chelsea in August will do Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side the world of good.
Negatives
Early goals tend to open games up, but United were unable to capitalise on a great start. A distinct lack of creativity will be a cause for concern ahead of the start of their Europa League campaign next week.
Manager rating out of 10
7 — The absence of Paul Pogba meant Solskjaer had to freshen things up in midfield, and his decision to star Nemanja Matic gave the United side a much more solid look when out of possession.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best, players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK David De Gea, 7 — A great save with his feet to deny James Maddison early on, and had to be alert to tip over a long-range Ben Chilwell effort on the half-hour mark.
DF Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 6 — A typical no-nonsense display from the 21-year-old. Never troubled out wide by an often tricky Leicester attack, but didn’t get forward to do much attacking of his own.
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DF Victor Lindelof, 6 — An uncertain start saw him get himself in an almighty mess to give Maddison a glorious chance in the opening five minutes, but recovered well to deliver an assured display.
DF Harry Maguire, 7 — Plenty of attention on the former Leicester man in the buildup, but had a relatively quiet afternoon, with Jamie Vardy providing very little threat in the final third.
DF Ashley Young, 6 — A cagey first half meant he had little to do from a defensive point of view, but as Leicester grew in belief he was given a stiffer examination in the final half hour, particularly after the introduction of Leicester’s Ayoze Perez.
MF Scott McTominay, 7 — A performance full of aggression and enterprise from a player who has had a good start to the season. The Scotland international drove his team forward, and enjoyed a well-fought physical battle with Maddison.
MF Nemanja Matic, 6 — The Serbian was making his first Premier League start of the season, and looked rusty at times on the ball, and was replaced with a quarter of the game remaining when he started to look leggy, although his presence made the United unit a tough one to break down.
MF Andreas Pereira, 7 — Forced a good save from Kasper Schmeichel with an early free kick from the corner of the penalty area. A solid, energetic display from the Brazilian.
MF Juan Mata, 6 — Given the free role by Solskjaer in behind Rashford, the Spaniard knitted things together nicely in the United midfield without providing that extra moment of quality needed in a game that never quite caught a spark. Replaced by youngster Tahith Chong for the final 20 minutes.
MF Daniel James, 6 — Didn’t see as much of the ball when compared to previous games, but chipped in with occasional moments of danger to give Leicester food for thought. Booked for a challenge on Maddison late on. Replaced in injury time by Axel Tuanzebe.
FW Marcus Rashford, 7 — Clever play to draw the foul from Caglar Soyuncu for the early United penalty, which he confidently dispatched, and almost added to his tally in sublime passion with a curling free kick that crashed off the bar in the closing stages.
Substitutes
MF Fred, 6 — Came on for his first appearance of the season in an attempt to stifle the creativity of Maddison, and the Brazilian provided some excellent pressing to break up Leicester’s build-up play.
MF Tahith Chong, 6 — Slotted into the No. 10 role and showed some nice flashes of skill to beat defenders. An encouraging cameo from the 19-year-old.
DF Axel Tuanzebe, N/R — Not enough time to make an impact.
