Jose Mourinho’s men visited King Power knowing very well of where a victory would take them. A victory would have taken them to a point off 5th place and two behind top 4 and that is exactly what the Red Devils managed.
Sublime efforts from Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Juan Mata sealed the victory and with Liverpool playing Tottenham next weekend, United could move out of sixth after quite a while. Here are the player ratings for Manchester United in what was a thoroughly professional performance.
David De Gea – 6/10
Booked for time-wasting apparently but was hardly troubled on the night. A clean sheet is a bonus.
Valencia – 7/10
As usual a threat going forward. Got an assist for Zlatan’s goal with a tidy cross and looked organised defensively. Valencia is an integral player in the team without a doubt.
Eric Bailly – 7/10
Won important tussles and maintained composure as well as calmness and came out on top against the Leicester attack. His return is a major boost.
Chris Smalling – 6.5/10
Captain for the day and he did a clean job. Wasn’t called upon much defensively.
Marcos Rojo – 5.5/10
Kept Mahrez quite throughout first half and had an effort saved. Rojo was subbed off at half time maybe due to an injury.
Ander Herrera – 7/10
Extremely clever on the ball and he’s probably the only player who’s untouched in terms of selection in Mourinho’s team. Did a tidy job as usual.
Paul Pogba – 6/10
Looked uncomfortable playing in a two-man midfield and he hasn’t been at his best for some time now. He really needs to step up his game.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 8.5/10
Sublime on the night and a wonderful solo goal that opened the deadlock. His game showed patience, poise and control and also got an assist for Mata’s goal. Man of the match.
Juan Mata – 7/10
Booked for a horrible tackle on Vardy but got along well as the match progressed. Got a lovely goal after an exchange with Mkhitaryan and should have got another one as he missed a sitter.
Marcus Rashford – 6/10
Silent in the attack and showed moments of attacking quality. Nothing extraordinary, though. Baffling as to why Martial didn’t replace him early.
Zlatan Ibrahimović – 8/10
Grew into the game and he was just brilliant all around today. Played slick passes, held the ball, dribbled, took a very good chance and converted it. If not for Mkhitaryan, he would have been the man of the match.
