(Football news) Manchester United secured their third successive win in the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. A well worked build up which concluded with a Jadon Sancho finish in the 23rd minute was enough for the Red Devils to secure the three points and helped Manchester United rise to fifth place in the league table above rivals Liverpool and Chelsea. Leicester, who have failed to win a single game in the league so far were booed by the home crowd with pressure piling on manager Brendan Rodgers after his team’s worst start since 1994.
Leicester City’s performance was so poor that they rarely threatened the visitors and were second best throughout the 90 minutes. The goal came when keeper Danny Ward launched the ball into United’s half with Bruno Fernandes passing it quickly to Rashford who turned and gave the assist to Sancho and the 22 year old’s first touch took him and the ball away from Ward and the finish was into an empty net. Leicester didn’t have a single touch inside Manchester United’s box during the first half. The second half was notably better with James Maddison forcing David de Gea to make a superb save from a freekick from 25 yards in what was their best opportunity of the match.
Speaking after the match Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said “I felt we were quite solid. It was a quite solid performance, we had to defend with 11 and we did that very well. There were some moments, but I think we should have been up 2-0 by then. We had some good counter-attacking opportunities and should have taken them. Maybe it's too quick to say [we have turned a corner], we're happy with it, we're building a team and a squad who are sticking together, fighting for each other, they cooperate and if you do that, you get the right results. We have to step it up further, and Sunday will be a really good game, a really good test, so we're looking forward to it.
“I'm happy with the clean sheet. When there are 11 on the pitch who defend and attack together, when you have the team, the energy, you see what you can achieve. We need [that extra quality]. We need a good squad, we need numbers with a lot of games to cover. Casemiro and Ronny will get fitter and give more contribution to the team, so we need not only a team but a squad.” When asked about Antony’s involvement against Arsenal, Ten Hag replied “We have to see [if he'll be in the squad]. Today is his first training, then we'll have team sessions and we'll see."
Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers said “I'm happy the window is shut, it's been a huge distraction for us. To have to watch virtually every club in the top five leagues get players in and for us to not be able to improve that was difficult as a manager and players. Players want to compete; this group has shown they can compete but we needed help and unfortunately we haven't been able to get that. In terms of results, it's my responsibility. We should have won by now, we've been in really good positions in a couple of games and not seen it through so I totally understand it, the supporters want to see their team win and if they're not, they'll tell.
"I think it's clear to see [that the squad is weaker than last year]. I came to Leicester to compete and in the first few years we were able to do that but in the last couple of windows we've been unable to add to the squad. What's most important is the sustainability of the club. I would have loved to have added five or six players to add to the quality of the group but if you can't do it I respect that. I have to do the very best with the resources I have. It's frustrating but I respect the people here."
Also read: Manchester United sign Antony for £85.5m on a five year contract
