Pranav Nair
Player ratings as a young Manchester United lose 2-1 to Leicester
It was a largely difficult night for Manchester United as the much-changed side huffed and puffed against Leicester City, and let’s take a look at the player ratings.
With three games in five days, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had little choice but to shuffle his playing XI around. Mason Greenwood was the one player who kept his spot in the team as both Anthony Elanga and Amad Diallo made their full debuts.
It was far from the assured performances we have gotten used to of late. Confusion at the back between Axel Tuanzebe and Brandon Williams saw Leicester take the lead early on.
While Mason Greenwood did draw us level, Caglar Soyuncu had the final laugh by scoring the winner in the second half.
The defeat all but ends any faint hopes we had of usurping City. It does however put a dent in Liverpool’s hopes of securing a top-four finish.
For now, it is a result we can afford to ignore. All eyes will now return to Old Trafford when we take on the Merseysiders in 48 hours time.
We now take a look at how the players did on the night.
Manchester United Player Ratings
David de Gea (7/10)
His first Premier League start since February 28 against Chelsea. Little he could do to prevent either goal and was largely let down by his defence.
Did well to save from Kelechi Iheanacho in the second half. A largely forgettable result.
Brandon Williams (4/10)
The youngster’s first league start this season. Looked out of sorts and it showed. Remains to be seen what will happen regarding his future this summer.
Eric Bailly (4/10)
Not an encouraging night for the Ivory Coast international. He Largely came off second best in the duel against Jamie Vardy and did his chances of regular game-time no favours.
Axel Tuanzebe (5/10)
Looked out of sorts in what was a rare start for the 23-year-old. His miscommunication with Williams saw Luke Thomas slot in Leicester’s opener on the night.
Did better than Bailly in dealing with Vardy and was, if anything, our best defender on the night.
Alex Telles (4/10)
A largely muted performance from the often flamboyant Brazilian. Did little of note on the night in a remainder of why Luke Shaw is ahead of him in the United pecking order.
Nemanja Matic (6/10)
The Serbian’s lack of pace was visible but he made up for it with his foresight and experience. Did his job in midfield but was powerless to stop Soyuncu from heading in Leicester’s winner.
Donny van de Beek (4/10)
The Dutchman failed to showcase any semblance of ability that saw Untied fork out for him last summer. A disappointing night where little went in his way.
Juan Mata (4/10)
Tidy at times but failed to do anything of significance. His lack of impact can also be attributed to the lack of support he received.
Amad Diallo (6/10)
The youngster’s first full start for United. He provided the assist for Greenwood’s equalizer and was a bright spark in a largely uneventful night.
Mason Greenwood (8/10)
Easily our best player on the night. The 19-year-old continued to find the back of the net and keeps his purple patch going. Taken off at the hour mark for a deserved rest.
Anthony Elanga (4/10)
Showed lots of intensity but struggled to convert it into anything tangible. He is a much better player than what was on show tonight and will hopefully get more opportunities in the future.
More Manchester United News
- Jesse Lingard set for Manchester United return as West Ham struggle to finance deal
- Jadon Sancho open to England switch amidst Manchester United interest
- Manchester United target Boubakary Soumare edging towards Leicester City switch
Substitutes
Marcus Rashford (4/10)
Offered little after coming off the bench. Was caught out as Soyuncu immediately scored the winner to secure all three points on the night.
Edinson Cavani (6/10)
A much more powerful presence up front when compared to Greenwood. Failed to find the back of the net in what is a rare scorless night for him in recent times.
Bruno Fernandes (4/10)
Made little to no impact. A forgettable night where there wasn’t much he could do.
