Manchester United 2-1 Leicester City: 3 Talking Points
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Manchester United are off to a winning start! The Red Devils took an early lead thanks to a penalty which was converted by Paul Pogba. Mourinho’s side held on for the next 80 minutes before Luka Shaw scored to make it 2-0.
Jamie Vardy scored a late goal but United walked away with all three points. Here are the three talking points from the game:
#1 – This might just be Pogba’s season
A lot has been said about Paul Pogba ever since his £89 million move from Juventus. The Frenchman silenced his critics at the World Cup with some amazing performances and now, it’s time for him to replicate the same at Old Trafford.
He was not even in the squad for any of the pre-season games and returned on Monday from his vacation. But when the team news came out, Pogba was on the team sheet and named as the captain too!
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He scored from the spot with ease and that seemed to have calmed his nerves. He was bossing the game from then and didn’t put a foot wrong.
Mourinho has made it clear that he wants the Frenchman to deliver and we all know how much the midfielder loves challenges. Pogba has Fred and Matic behind him and that might give him the freedom to concentrate on the attack all the time.
#2 – Leicester City show what they have got
8 signings and one loan deal. Moreover, they managed to keep hold of Harry Maguire, who was a top target for Manchester United. Claude Puel was backed by the Leicester City board and he has a lot of pressure to deliver this season.
The Foxes dominated the majority of the game and showed that they have got it in them to challenge for a top half finish. It is still a long time before we know if they can challenge for a Europa League spot to.
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They lacked the end product today and that is one of the main reason why they walk away empty handed from Old Trafford. Daniel Amartey’s handball gave United the lead and it was a ‘freak goal’ that put United 2-0 ahead.
Vardy’s late goal was too little too late today but it might just be the start of something really really good for the Foxes this season. Puel’s substitutions were spot on and he can walk away from Old Trafford knowing that his side were clearly the better team.
#3 – Sanchez & Shaw fail to impress
Luke Shaw might have been on the scoresheet but he was not at his best defensively. He was not able to keep Ricardo quiet and there were way too many crosses coming in from his side.
He was also bullied off the ball by Vardy and that almost resulted in a Leicester City goal. This performance of his has not done enough and Mourinho might start with Ashley Young once he is fit.
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Alexis Sanchez also had a nightmare on the pitch today. He was getting caught offside way too many times and was having his passes intercepted more often than not.
The former Arsenal man was trying hard but was just not able to deliver. His linkup play wasn’t on spot but it looks like it won’t be long before he gets back to his Arsenal form.
