Luke Shaw’s first senior goal proved decisive for Man United in the opening match of the Premier League season, as they held on to beat Leicester.
Luke Shaw’s first senior goal proved decisive for Man United in the opening match of the Premier League season, as they held on to beat Leicester.
Following a summer where Jose Mourinho hasn’t had his way in the transfer market, it was important that Manchester United got off to a good start in their opening game against Leicester.
The home team started the game well and took an early lead courtesy of a Paul Pogba penalty, won by Alexis Sanchez. As if there were any doubts that the midfielder would come back to Manchester full of confidence following his confirmation as a world champion. Wearing the captain’s armband, he assumed responsibility for the spot kick and made it impossible for Kasper Schmeichel to keep it out.
United were largely in control as the game went on, with Luke Shaw wrapping up the points with his first goal for the club, his career in fact, late on.
Substitute Jamie Vardy provided some hope for the Leicester in the 92nd minute with a consolation goal but United were worthy winners.
Positives
United had to win. The three points were so important. They’re top of the league, for now at least, which is all the fans wanted ahead of kick off.
Shaw has had a tough four years at United so to start the season with a goal, the first in his career, should be a big confidence boost.
Having spent the past two seasons under so much scrutiny, it is great that Pogba has found the back of the net already and put in a performance similar to those we saw from him for France in the summer. The fact that he started, despite only a few weeks’ break was even more impressive.
Negatives
Sanchez has had the summer off and should be fresher and sharper than everyone else. He showed flashes of what he can do but was far too wasteful in possession.
After a really bright start, United took their foot off the gas, which is maybe understandable after a tiring summer. Greater concentration was needed to deny Leicester their consolation goal.
Manager rating out of 10
7 — Good team selection from Mourinho. He set his team out to play positive football that was duly rewarded with the three points.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK David De Gea, 7 — Brilliant first-half save to deny an equaliser from James Maddison. Didn’t have much to do in the second half and couldn’t do anything about Leicester’s consolation goal.
DF Matteo Darmian, 5 — Given the player wants to leave and the club were prepared to let him go, it was an alright performance. Got forward well on occasion but didn’t look particularly sharp and was given a tough time by Demarai Gray.
DF Victor Lindelof, 7 — Made a vital challenge to deny Kelechi Iheanacho when he otherwise would have been one on one with De Gea. Followed on from where he left off in the World Cup.
DF Eric Bailly, 7 — Repeatedly good in the air. Made the odd unconventional tackle, as usual, but performed well. Possibly could have done more to prevent Vardy’s goal.
DF Luke Shaw, 7 — Largely did well at the back and got himself into a great position to score in the first half. Caught out on occasion, notably in the lead up to the Leicester goal, but redeemed himself with a well-taken goal.
MF Fred, 6 — Solid debut from the Brazilian. Tired towards the end but was involved offensively and defensively.
MF Paul Pogba, 8 — He stepped up after a few minutes to place United’s penalty perfectly into the top corner. Involved heavily throughout the game, driving his team forward and continuing his good form from the World Cup..
Luke Shaw scored his first-ever senior goal and delivered a performance that should even impress tough critic Jose Mourinho.
MF Andres Pereira, 7 — Confident performance from the midfielder who has shown the manager he is ready for a starting place in this team.
FW Juan Mata, 6 — Played a good ball for Shaw in the first half that should have resulted in a goal and should have scored himself. Struggled more as the game went on.
FW Alexis Sanchez, 6 — Won the penalty but had a hard time impressing, particularly in the second half. Had a great opportunity to double United’s lead with a header that was off target and created a few chances. Lost the ball too often.
FW Marcus Rashford, 5 — His defensive shift was probably more impressive than what he did on the attack. Won several headers in the box from set pieces and corners. The team didn’t do enough to create for him but it was a quiet game from the young England international.
Substitutes
FW Romelu Lukaku, 5 — Replaced Rashford. Great save from Schmeichel to save what should have been a goal. It was a good run out for the Belgian who got involved but nothing really paid off for him.
MF Scott McTominay, N/R — Came on for Fred. Went on one good run.
MF, Marouane Fellaini, N/R — Replaced Pogba for last 5 minutes.
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