EPL 2017/18: Manchester United 2-0 Leicester City, Player Ratings
The Red Devils continued their fine form, leaving it late to cap off 3 wins in a row with another clean sheet, even after a heroic performance from Kasper Schmeichel in goal tried to salvage something for the Foxes.
Leicester's rock-solid defensive finally gave way in the 70th minute as Mourinho's men quickly dispatched off the visitors, courtesy of the 3 substitutes who all contributed to the scoreline.
Marcus Rashford and Marouane Fellaini came off the bench to get on the score-sheet, as Jesse Lingard also appeared to notch up an assist to cement Manchester United at top of the league.
Here are the player ratings:
Manchester United
David De Gea - 7.5/10
The Spaniard had a relatively untroubled first half and dealt with the defensive distribution with ease. However, he was called to action at the turn of clock and maintained composure to contain a resurgent Leicester attack. Bagged his third clean sheet in a row.
Antonio Valencia - 6.5/10
The captain for the third game in row showed his usual levelheadedness in defence but seemed slightly off the mark while going forward. His crosses were wayward and he couldn't do enough break down a resilient opposition side, who often frustrated his forward forays.
Eric Bailly - 8/10
Eric Bailly proved yet again why he is an early contender for the best defender of the season. He was superb in coming into tackles and did a fantastic job keeping Vardy in a tight pocket throughout the game.
Phil Jones - 7.5/10
Jones had another commendable game and had a ball of a time in marking Okazaki out of the game. His forays in attack were a strangely welcome sight. Though he was intimated by Mahrez in the second half on a few occasions, he did a fine job.
Daley Blind - 6.5/10
Blind had an above average game playing in an unchanged defensive setup. Even though he made brilliant readings of Pogba's long passes and put in a couple of quite decent crosses, his contribution in attack was generally wasteful. He had some troubles with the resurgent Leicester attack in the second half and was just barely able to deal with it. More effort needed from the Dutchman.
Nemanja Matic - 8/10
On a day like today when United's attacks were slow in progression, Matic remained his usual best. His forward passing was as crisp and accurate as ever, and his spacial awareness allowed him to break down Leicester's attacks with ease. A revolution in midfield.
Paul Pogba - 7.5/10
One of the powerhouses in the first half, Pogba dominated the game with his pin-point long passing, starting off attacks at whim. Though he had a staggering 6 long shots in nearly 20 minutes in the first half, they often left the Frenchman frustrated as a couple of them just about missed testing Schmeichel's goal. Even then, he never diminished in creativity, as his performance only improved in second half.
Juan Mata - 7/10
Mata had a decent game and was unlucky to not get a goal, as his rebound was ruled offside. Later on, his shot brought out a great save from the keeper. The Spaniard continued to keep the attack flowing but his presence diminished greatly as the game went on.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan - 7/10
The Armenian tried to link up with his attacking partners in the usual manner, but was largely frustrated by a solid visitor's defence. Even though he got booked early on in the second half, he delivered when it mattered, notching up another assist from a corner. Another day at work for the league's top assist-maker.
Anthony Martial - 8/10
Starting his first league match of the season, Martial was at the heart of all United's attacks in the first half, as he often dropped deep. His movement was unmatchable and created some brilliant chances. Even though his efforts didn't bear any tangible fruits, his performance was met by warm applause from the stadium's faithful.
Romelu Lukaku - 6/10
Lukaku had a tough game. He was heckled by the opposition centre-backs for the most part and wasn't able to get the better of them. He ended up wasting some decent chances, including a weak penalty.
Substitutes
Marcus Rashford - 8/10
Rashford had an immediate impact after his substitution, scoring a goal in less than 3 minutes after coming on. His direct running created a lot of panic in the Leicester half.
Marouane Fellaini - 8/10
Fellaini created an almost superb chance with his first touch to release Lukaku on goal. He maintained his super-sub performance, getting his name on the score-sheet.
Jesse Lingard - 7.5/10
Like his fellow subs, Lingard delivered almost immediately after coming on the field, notching up an assist for Fellaini's goal. His usual hardwork helped see out the game with ease.