Man Utd player ratings: Fred comes to Red Devils rescue against Leicester but Jadon Sancho disappoints
FRED helped Manchester United share the spoils with Leicester in their tense draw at Old Trafford.
The Brazil midfielder scored a second-half equaliser but Man Utd lost more ground in their top-four race.
But Ralf Rangnick’s decision to start without an outright striker appeared to leave his side a little toothless up top.
The interim United coach took the gamble of starting Bruno Fernandes as a false nine with Anthony Elanga, Paul Pogba and Jadon Sancho part of United’s attack.
But Rangnick eventually brought Rashford on in a bid to up the ante with United’s attack.
The hosts nabbed a point courtesy of Fred’s assured finished after Kelechi Iheanacho’s gave the Foxes the lead.
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Here’s how SunSport rated the players:
David de Gea – 7.5/10
A decent afternoon for the United stopper. Could do little to stop Leicester’s opener but pulled off a stunning flying save to deny Wesley Fofana.
Raphael Varane – 7
The France centre-back looked composed for the hosts and knocked a dangerous ball out of the box in the 41st minute.
However the Frenchman and Maguire were caught out by Kelechi Iheanacho’s goal.
Harry Maguire – 7
The England defender was welcomed by a huge cheer from home fans and warm applause by the visiting ones after being booed on international duty.
But the defence was caught flat footed by Iheanacho’s opener for the visitors. Prompted a save from Schmeichel with a late header.
Luke Shaw – 7
Picked up a yellow card for a sliding tackle in the fourth minute. Was forced to withdraw due to injury at half-time.
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Diogo Dalot – 6.5
Made some decent runs and looked to get on the end of Paul Pogba’s pass in the 58th minute.
Scott McTominay – 6
Fortunate to stay on the pitch after a lunging studs-up second-half challenge on James Maddison.
Combined well with Anthony Elanga in the 13th minute latching on to a floated pass that forced Castagne to make a last-ditch defensive header.
Came off for Marcus Rashford in the 55th minute.
Fred – 7
The Brazil ace was the hero for United after netting a vital equaliser in the 66th minute.
Made up for James Maddison getting the chance to send a dangerous cross into the box for Leicester’s goal.
Paul Pogba – 6.5
Faced a battle to control the midfield at times.
Was subbed off in the second-half with Rangnick bringing Nemanja Matic on to shore things up.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
One of the Portugal playmaker’s best chances of the game came near the half-hour mark forcing a decent reflex save from Kasper Schmeichel.
Made some good runs forward but struggled to finish.
Jadon Sancho – 6
Made runs on the flank but put Iheanacho through on goal late on with a dodgy back pass. Sent a shot wide of target in injury time.
Anthony Elanga – 6.5
The liveliest attacker in United’s front line causing problems with his pace at times. Could not find the killer finish in the final third.
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Alex Telles – 6.5
Came on at half-time to replace the injured Luke Shaw.
Was caught out for Iheanacho’s goal that gave Leicester the lead.
Nemanja Matic – 6.5
Attempted to shore things up for the hosts in front of defence when he replaced Pogba with 15 minutes to play.
Marcus Rashford – 6.5
Came on in the second half for Scott McTominay and had a decent chance to net in the 88th minute but lost possession of the ball with Schmeichel gathering.