Manchester United took a significant step forward in their resurgence with a dominant 3-0 victory over Leicester City FC. Danish forward Rasmus Højlund finally broke his 21-game goal drought, netting the opener in the 28th minute after capitalising on defensive errors from the Foxes. This marked his first goal since December and provided a much-needed confidence boost.
Alejandro Garnacho doubled United’s lead in the second half, securing his first goal in 24 matches, while the influential Bruno Fernandes sealed the win with a late strike, rounding off an impressive display. The Portuguese playmaker was instrumental, providing assists for both earlier goals before adding his own to United’s tally.
A Mixed Night for Manchester United
Despite the victory, United’s joy was dampened by a concerning injury to young defender Ayden Heaven. Making only his second start for the club, the teenager was stretchered off early in the second half after an awkward fall, adding to United’s growing list of defensive absentees.
The win keeps United’s positive momentum going after their emphatic Europa League triumph over Real Sociedad. While it only pushed them from 15th to 13th in the Premier League standings, the performance hinted at a team finding its groove at a crucial stage of the season.
Leicester City’s Struggles Continue
For Leicester, the loss further compounded their misery. The Foxes have now suffered 13 defeats in their last 14 league games and remain firmly in the relegation zone, sitting second from bottom and nine points adrift of safety. Their home form has been particularly woeful, setting an unwanted record of seven consecutive home losses without scoring.
Even with late efforts from Jamie Vardy and Facundo Buonanotte, Leicester rarely threatened United’s goal. The defensive lapses that led to United’s goals encapsulated their season-long struggles, leaving them staring at an immediate return to the Championship.
Amorim’s Influence Starting to Show
United’s head coach, Ruben Amorim, has been working to turn the team’s fortunes around since his arrival in November, and signs of improvement are becoming evident. While injuries remain a concern—particularly in defence—United’s performances in recent weeks suggest a more structured and confident approach.
Højlund, who has faced criticism for his goal drought, acknowledged the pressures of leading the line at Old Trafford. “Strikers are expected to score, and I know the expectations that come with playing for Manchester United,” he said. “I just have to keep improving and working hard.”
With a Europa League quarter-final against Lyon on the horizon, United will be hoping to build on this momentum and finish the season strongly. If their recent performances are any indication, they may finally be finding the rhythm they have been searching for all season.
Leicester City vs Man United Player Ratings
Manchester United
- Bruno Fernandes (8.0) – Pulled the strings in midfield, provided two assists, and scored a brilliant goal to cap off an impressive night.
- Rasmus Højlund (7.5) – Ended his long goal drought with a well-taken finish and looked sharp throughout.
- Alejandro Garnacho (7.0) – Worked hard, had a goal ruled out but eventually found the net to secure United’s second.
- Christian Eriksen (7.0) – Controlled the tempo and came close to scoring with a curling effort that hit the post.
- Andre Onana (6.5) – Had little to do but was solid when called upon.
- Diogo Dalot (6.5) – Defended well and contributed to attacking moves down the right.
- Casemiro (6.5) – Provided steel in midfield and broke up Leicester’s rare attacks.
- Lisandro Martinez (6.0) – A steady presence at the back, dealing well with Leicester’s limited attacking threats.
- Raphael Varane (6.0) – Rarely troubled but remained composed in defence.
- Luke Shaw (6.0) – Got forward when needed but wasn’t overly tested defensively.
- Scott McTominay (6.0) – Put in a shift and helped United dominate midfield.
Leicester City
- Luke Thomas (4.5) – Struggled against United’s attack and was caught out of position multiple times.
- Jamie Vardy (4.2) – Isolated up front and barely had an impact.
- Mads Hermansen (4.0) – Made a few decent saves but could do little about the goals.
- Wilfred Ndidi (3.8) – Failed to control the midfield and was overrun by United’s pressing.
- Conor Coady (3.7) – Lacked organisation and leadership in Leicester’s backline.
- Bilal El Khannouss (3.6) – Struggled to make an impact and was easily dispossessed.
- James Justin (3.5) – Failed to contribute meaningfully in defence or attack.
- Boubakary Soumaré (3.5) – Gave the ball away cheaply for United’s opener and was overrun in midfield.
- Patson Daka (3.5) – Anonymous for large periods and struggled to get involved.
- Victor Kristiansen (3.5) – Another Leicester player who had a tough evening.
- Facundo Buonanotte (3.4) – Showed some attacking intent late on but was largely ineffective.
- Stephy Mavididi (3.4) – Offered little in terms of creativity or attacking threat.
- Harry Winks (3.3) – Failed to control the game and was bypassed too easily.
- Jordan Ayew (3.3) – Had minimal involvement and offered little defensive cover.
- Kasey McAteer (3.2) – Struggled to make an impact.
- Wout Faes (3.2) – At fault for United’s first goal and looked unsure in defence.
United will now look ahead with optimism, while Leicester find themselves in deeper trouble as relegation looms.
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