The frustration for Leicester City boss Steve Cooper is that, as Manchester United cruised to a 3-0 win on Sunday afternoon, the visitors to Old Trafford made it a lot easier than it needed to be.
Leicester, believe it or not, actually won the XG battle.
And while that in itself may raise eyebrows – The Foxes were hardly banging on the door in a largely one-sided display with most of their 0.9 XG tally made up of Wilfried Ndidi’s squandered first-half chance – it does highlight Manchester United’s ability to create something out of very little.
Bruno Fernandes’ opener, and Alejandro Garnacho’s late clincher, were barely even half-chances. Maybe third-chances, if there is such a thing. Three goals, from an ‘XG’ of less than one.
Portugal international Fernandes opened the scoring against Leicester with a wonderful fizzing strike on the 17 minute mark following a sumptuous Amad Diallo backheel. His sixth goal contribution in just four games under Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Garnacho’s wonderful curling effort late on, meanwhile, felt like the Argentine unlocking another weapon in his armoury. We have already seen thumping overhead kicks, back-post tap-ins and cool one-on-ones.
If Garnacho is developing the ability to locate the top corner from the edge of the penalty area, then watch out Premier League full-backs.
Leicester boss hails Manchester United duo Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho
Leicester coach Steve Cooper accepts that his team were undone by the sheer ‘quality’ of Man United’s finishes.
And, after his defence gave Fernandes and Garnacho the time and space to pick their spot, this was another brutal reminder as to the individual brilliance at the disposal of the Premier League’s biggest-hitters.
“Obviously, it’s a disappointing result and scoreline,” Cooper reflects. “It was two shots from outside the box and a cross and a free contact for the second goal [diverted in by Leicester left-back Viktor Kristiansen].
“The reality is that we can do more in terms of getting up to the ball and stopping two easy shots from distance and balls into the box. That’s cost us.
“People will talk about the quality of the finishing around the box and United do have that. But we’ve got to look at ourselves and we can definitely do more.”
“We need to do more to stop shots and crosses around the box and do more at the other end to be a real threat on United’s goal. In defining moments, we’ve fallen short.”
Fernandes backs Garnacho to silence Man United critics
As Ruben Amorim prepares to take over at Old Trafford – the former Sporting Lisbon boss finally arrived in Manchester on Monday – the manner in which United swept past Leicester will have offered an indication as to the sheer talent he is about to inherit.
In Fernandes – the Man United captain has been glowing in his praise for Amorim – the Red Devils have a footballer who, when freed up by the presence of Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro in behind, can still be one of Europe’s most prolific midfielders.
And Garnacho, for all his critics, now has seven goals this season from just 18 games.
The youngster is often accused of lacking end-product but, lest we forget, he is now only three goals away from matching his tally from the entirety of 2023/24.
“Garnacho scored a banger but didn’t celebrate like he should because he thinks he has lost faith from some fans. I told him people will always moan but lots of people like you and enjoy what you do,” Fernandes said after Man United’s fourth win of the Premier League season, backing the Carrington kid to leave his doubters choking on humble pie.
“I told him to celebrate. [Garnacho’s goal] was something special. He is a special player, we have difference makers. They are the ones who win us games.
“We want them to score every game but that isn’t going to happen.”
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