EPL: Manchester United play smart football to outclass Leicester City
Manchester United played smart football to outclass the visitors Leicester City by a margin of 1-0 in their Premier League clash at Old Trafford in Manchester on Saturday. Marcus Rashford's eighth-minute strike from the penalty spot was enough to hand the hosts the much-needed three points, as they have eight points, to their name, from five games. Here's the report.
United dominate opening quarter with a perfect penalty
The first quarter saw United come up with the opening attack through a free-kick in the third minute, as Andreas Pereira's shot on target was saved by Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. Two minutes later, Leicester's James Maddison was denied by United keeper David de Gea inside the box. However, an eighth-minute penalty to United saw Rashford break the deadlock.
United maintain composure until half-time to preserve the lead
The second quarter saw composed gameplay from the hosts, as they hardly attacked the visitors. On the other hand, it was Leicester which came up with the only attack in the quarter. In the 30th minute, a good half-volley from Ben Chilwell was saved by de Gea again, who chipped it over the bar.
Twin attacks see an intense beginning
The start of the second half saw United come up with two attacks, as Daniel James shot one over the bar in the 50th minute. The very next minute saw Juan Mata's strike being saved by Schmeichel, as Pereira's rebound sailed over. In the 56th minute, Leicester's Maddison struck a powerful one wide, while seven minutes later, it was Demarai Gray who shot over.
United come close to double, win with 1-0
The final quarter saw a couple of attacks by both the teams. It was in the 83rd minute when a free-kick from Rashford almost doubled it for the hosts, only to be denied by the crossbar. Meanwhile, it was in the 92nd minute when Leicester's Wilfred Ndidi tried to tap one in, via a low cross from Maddison, but eventually United won 1-0.
United begin Europa League commitments, Leicester host Spurs next week
With this win, United are on the fourth spot, for now, followed by Leicester in the fifth, both locked on eight points each with United are ahead on goal difference. United would begin their UEFA Europa League commitments against Astana at home on Thursday, before traveling to London to face West Ham United on Sunday. Leicester, meanwhile, would host Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
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