Manchester United continued right from where they left off as they overcame a resolute Leicester side to claim yet another 3 points. With a third consecutive clean sheet, United could not have hoped for a better start as they clock some early season points and work on their goal-difference.
They have already established a 2-point lead at the top with Manchester City being the only visible threat at the moment.
Plenty of positives from Jose Mourinho’s men, let us look at how the players fared on the occasion.
David de Gea: 7/10
Another game, another clean sheet for David de Gea. He once again was a mere spectator for most part of the game and only had to deal with a few shots from distance. Did well with a close range save denying Andy King and Leicester a way back in the game.
Antonio Valencia: 6/10
Another resolute performance down the right for United’s right back. Did not have much to do defensively, and can do better in terms of getting into crossing positions.
Eric Bailly: 7/10
Eric Bailly has rarely put a foot wrong in United colors. His consistency and composure stood out once again as he helped himself to another clean sheet.
Phil Jones: 7/10
Has Mourinho finally ridden Jones off his injuries? Seems like a completely different player and defender under Jose. Purposeful and no nonsense defending. If he performs like this on a regular and manages to be injure-free; Smalling and Lindelof can forget about getting into the starting XI.
Daley Blind: 6/10
Struggled against Mahrez and could easily have been punished, but that wasn’t to be. Had a decent outing overall.
Paul Pogba: 8.5/10
We saw both the shades of Paul Pogba yesterday. Purposeful at times, lethargic at times too. His ability to switch on and switch off in a game can work to his advantage. He fizzed shots at goal and could have scored another today. He’s slowly becoming the man who makes United tick. Easily the Man of the Match.
Nemanja Matic: 7/10
Simplicity on the ball, personified. He makes everything seem really meek. Closed down well enough and kept the ball moving in midfield. Hardly troubled by his adversaries.
Juan Mata: 7/10
Glimpses of magic from the little Spaniard in the first half. His nutmeg and shot combo was well saved by Schmeichel. Should have had a goal to his name but was judged narrowly offside. Him being substituted every game might suggest his age is catching up with him, but he’s a valuable asset when on the pitch.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan: 7/10
Wasn’t at his mercurial best on the night, but he did come up with the important corner that led to Rashford’s goal. 5 assists in 3 games is one heck of a tally!
Lukaku: 6/10
His first off-game for Manchester United. Maguire and Morgan did a good job on the giant Belgian. Had a few decent chances but couldn’t convert. The penalty miss didn’t do him any favors either.
Martial: 6/10
Too early to expect Martial to score week in week out but put in a decent shift on the evening. His purposeful dribbling that had deserted him for much of last season.
Substitutes:
Marcus Rashford: 7.5/10
How good is this kid? His introduction changed the game. He got the game’s first goal and his pass to Lingard helped United get their second.
Maraoune Fellaini: 6/10
In the right place and the right time for helping Lingard’s shot into the net for guaranteeing 3 points for the home team. He seems to be the player Jose puts on when he wants to shut up shop, coincidently leading to United scoring more goals.
Jesse Lingard: 6/10
Got a few minutes under his belt, getting an assist in the process too.
