Nemanja Matic was selected as a starter for Manchester United for the third time in eight days as the Red Devils lined up at the King Power Stadium.
The veteran Serbian did not let his team down, delivering another vital display as United secured a Champions League qualification.
United have other options in midfield, but neither Scott McTominay or Fred have the same defensively disciplined mindset and positional awareness as the 31-year-old.
Matic was crucial to United tactically in this performance, often dropping deepest to help Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof pass the ball out from the back.
He bailed Maguire out in the first half too when the captain mis-controlled the ball inside his own penalty area. Matic was there to mop up and clear the danger.
Statistically strong
Matic won five tackles as he helped shut down Leicester’s attacks as they pushed to try and secure a Champions League place for themselves.
Only the ever-efficient Aaron Wan-Bissaka was able to match Matic, also winning five tackles, the joint highest of any player on the pitch.
Matic also made two interceptions, two clearances, and won two aerial duels.
In total Matic had 85 touches, the most of any United midfielder or forward.
His pass completion rate of 86 per cent was also the most efficient among the front six.
Challenge is laid down
Matic will likely get a rest in the Europa League as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer mixes up his midfield with the pressure off.
It is an opportunity for Fred and Scott McTominay to state their cases, and even young gun James Garner.
They have an opportunity to change the current belief that a United side without Matic is a downgraded line up.
If they do not manage it, then United may have to accelerate transfer business in the transfer window to sign a player who can more effectively back up and deputise for Matic.
- Benjamin Sesko injury update and return timeline, what happened to Man Utd striker and way forward
- Man Utd can no longer offer Marcus Rashford what he needs, and plans are in place far beyond him
- Man Utd have one of the top 25 fastest players at the World Cup – but sold the star at #2
- Manchester United’s search for a reliable centre-back – Smart Premier League and European options for Ineos
- Every Man Utd loanee for the 2026/27 season
- Three standout World Cup stars proved that Man Utd should have done everything in their power to sign them
- Sir Alex Ferguson’s approach to Lisandro Martinez proves why ‘writing off’ Man Utd star is now premature
- The Man Utd coach connection behind Tynan Thompson’s big career accomplishment
- Michael Carrick could still implement Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man Utd ‘plan’ for post-World Cup, he saw it in action
- Godwill Kukonki now has extra motivation to sign a long-term Manchester United deal
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
