Manchester United got back to winning ways in the Premier League with a 3-0 victory over Leicester City in the Premier League.
The game had a slow start but a win was never in doubt for Ruben Amorim’s side, especially after taking the lead in the 28th minute, with Rasmus Hojlund scoring his first goal of 2025.
Manchester United doubled their lead after 67 minutes when the ball fortunately bounced into Alejandro Garnacho’s path before the forward made sure of his finish.
To seal the win at the very end, United’s main man Bruno Fernandes got his name on the scoresheet to make it 3-0. The Portugal international also registered two assists on the night.
It was a comfortable evening for the Reds as they make a jump closer to the top half of the Premier League table.
Here are five things learned from the game.
Rasmus Hojlund scores first goal in 22 games
Rasmus Hojlund finally ended his 21-match goal drought with a 28th minute opener following a Fernandes assist. It was an absolute peach of a strike as he buried the ball into the bottom corner.
The Denmark international sent a reminder to his critics that he possesses finishing abilities, though after such a long dry spell, the jury is still out for Hojlund. United staff reacted wildly on the bench and they will hope it lifts a weight from the young striker’s shoulders.
Hopefully, the goal gives Hojlund a boost in confidence to kick on and finish the season strongly.
Ayden Heaven wise beyond his years
Aged 18, Ayden Heaven has quickly shown why United spent £1.5m to sign him from Arsenal in January.
The centre-back has been introduced to United’s first team line-up in recent weeks and it looks like Amorim has a young gem on his hands.
From blocking shots inside the box, intercepting dangerous through balls and outmuscling professional footballers twice his age, nothing stood in Heaven’s way.
Apart from a nasty injury suffered at the beginning of the second half. It didn’t look good as the defender tried to intercept the ball at the back post before requiring a stretcher.
The Leicester City supporters acted appallingly while Heaven was down receiving medical attention.
Everyone at United in Focus wishes him the best.
Manchester United keep first clean sheet in 10 matches
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester City were not expected to offer much in attack with a past-it Jamie Vardy leading the line, so it was a quiet night for United goalkeeper Andre Onana.
The Cameroon international kept what was United’s first clean sheet in 10 matches across all competitions.
Onana, who did superbly to deny Vardy’s powerful attempt from close range in stoppage time, shouldn’t need to wait as long for his next clean sheet.
Defensive injuries worsen
Amorim already has a long list of defenders in the injury room with three centre-backs to select from for the trip to the King Power Stadium.
That meant United started with a back three consisting of Victor Lindelof, Matthijs de Ligt and Heaven.
After Heaven’s unfortunate injury setback, Amorim had to pull Noussair Mazraoui from right wing-back to centre-back.
This means United’s head coach will be limited for options at centre-back and may need to shoehorn players from other positions into the role, unless any of the injured players return during the international break.
Harry Amass becomes latest Manchester United debutant
Harry Amass, 18, came off the bench to make his debut as Manchester United’s 253rd academy graduate.
The youngster was straight into the thick of the action on the left flank as he sent an inviting cross, aimed at Hojlund, into the box but it was gathered by Mads Hermansen in the Leicester goal.
It’s an incredible milestone for Amass and United fans can expect to see more of him in the future.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/JqfEtkO