Manchester United ended the Ruud van Nistelrooy interim era with another win, a x-x victory over Leicester in the Premier League.
United started where they left off vs Leicester in the League Cup, playing on the front foot, winning the ball back in their half, and launching quick attacks.
Bruno Fernandes and Amad were at the centre of most combination plays and that is the pair which ultimately got United on the scoresheet. Fernandes got at the end of a smart backheel from Amad and curled in a shot into the far post.
The action mainly trended one way with sporadic threats from Leicester handled ably by the defence. Mazraoui crossed in from the left and Fernandes’ miscued shot hit the Leicester defender to double United’s lead which they were good value for.
United never looked like they would surrender this lead as the second half was a serene exercise in possession and stout defending.
Alejandro Garnacho added a sparkle to the final scoreline with a great curler near full-time to end the game 3-0.
Here’s how the players rated:
Andre Onana – 7
Was needed when the score was 1-0 and stepped up with an important save. Fair to say he’s a man you can put in the team and forget about now which is a huge compliment because he’ll always perform.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Improvement from his midweek excursion but not much better. Maybe the work load is finally catching up to him as he was below-par again here. Taken off again.
Matthijs de Ligt – 7.5
He’s come into his own now at United and that is clear to see in every tackle, interception, and pass. Like a mountain at the back sweeping everything up.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Similarly good game like his partner outside of a clumsy challenge on Ayew in the first half. This was Ten Hag’s dream partnership but it’s clicking after his departure.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7.5
Is there a better summer signing in the whole of Premier League? At left-back here and kept going on about his game like nothing changed. Crossed for United’s second and the improvement in on-ball skill is insane.
Manuel Ugarte – 7.5
Looking better with every game he plays and peaking just in time for Amorim’s arrival. Energetic in tackles, lives to win the ball back and this system is accentuating those strengths.
Casemiro – 6.5
Another encouraging game as he continues his resurgence at United. Perhaps too eager to slide for a tackle which can leave the team short at times but that’s a minor complaint from a very good game.
Amad – 8.5
Assisted Fernandes’ goal with a smart backheel but even if that hadn’t happened, was having another game of his life. Pressed and ran like a demon in and out of possession, always available for a pass, taking the ball forward, and endearing himself to fans. Has made the right side firmly his for the moment.
Bruno Fernandes – 8.5
Scored one, assisted one, and will try to claim another as he looks back to his best. Played with confidence and some overdue restraint. Focused on controlling the game instead of playing ill-advised audacious passes and took his chances when they came. A welcome return to form.
Marcus Rashford – 6
Amad and Fernandes stole all the headlines and Rashford remained a peripheral figure. Teammates looked to the right all the time when they had the ball. Some nice combination play with Mazraoui but not much impact.
Rasmus Hojlund – 5
His teammates can do a better job of getting him involved but he’s not doing much to help himself either. Made a good run to create space for United’s second goal but was peripheral apart from that. Amorim has a project on his hands.
Substitutes
Jonny Evans – 6
Calm introduction to action as United were in control for most of the game.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6.5
Made some nice forward runs into space but the final product left a lot to be desired until one curler finally went in. It looks great when it comes off!
Joshua Zirkzee – 6
It’s a thankless job to be a striker in this team, especially with Garnacho eyeing the goal all the time. United have two strikers and neither have cemented a first-team place.
Christian Eriksen – 6.5
A beautiful pass to set United on their way to the third as he picked out Fernandes in acres of space from where he played in Garnacho.
Manager
Ruud van Nistelrooy – 8
The players haven’t changed and we’ve been here before but Ruud van Nistelrooy’s impact on making these players believe themselves again cannot be understated. He has made all the difference in just four games by keeping things simple and letting players enjoy themselves. His future at United might be uncertain but his future in management is a bright one.
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