Player Ratings: Manchester United 2-0 Leicester City

Manchester United won 2-0 versus Leicester City. The Red Devils swarmed the Leicester end all match, but had trouble putting one in the back of the net. A match that would ultimately be determined by tactical substitutions yet again for United, with substitutes accounting for both goals. Here are the player ratings, out of 10.

Marcus Rashford: 8.5 (Man of the Match)

Rashford found himself amongst the substitutes to start the match, entering the game during the 67th minute for Juan Mata. Three minutes after being subbed in Rashford would score Manchester United’s first goal of the day. For the twenty-three minutes of time he had on the pitch, he made the most of them. Finishing off the day with 1 goal, completing 11 passes, and drawing a foul which gave United an opportunistic free kick. A solid performance, and one that should surely get him back into the starting lineup next week versus Stoke City.

Juan Mata: 8.5

The Spaniard turned in an excellent performance against Leicester City. Mata made countless plays on the pitch and had two of United’s best opportunities to score in the first half. Mata scored a rebound goal that was (incorrectly) disallowed because of him being offside. A questionable decision, as the replay showed Mata was onside. The second goal Mata could have scored was from a brilliant individual play. Mata brought down a pass and megged the opposing defender all in one touch. He then ripped a strike from outside the box that forced the goalie to fully extend to make the save. If he would have scored it, we would have been watching it over and over on social media for the next week. Mata played very well for the time he was on the pitch this week.

David de Gea: 8.0

De Gea once again was solid between the pipes. Another clean sheet today for de Gea, who was tested a fair share in the match. He had four saves in the game and made good decisions when the ball was played into his area of the pitch. Not to mention a pinpoint save in the dying minutes of the game that could have easily given Leicester a goal.

Marouane Fellaini: 7.5

Fellaini entered the game as a substitute in the 74th minute for Mkhitaryan. One of his first plays was a pass that he headed up the field creating a chance for United. Shortly after that he would score United’s second goal of the today off an Lingard assist. Fellaini played well for the time he was on the pitch, I think it is a nice role for him to continue playing.

Jesse Lingard: 7.5 (Player to Watch)

Once again to start this match, Lingard was amongst the substitutes. Entering the game in the 76th minute for Martial, Lingard showed excellent pace on the field and earned himself an assist. Lingard played a nice ball to Fellaini who simply redirected it into the net. I would like to see Lingard get a little bit more of a role with the team.

Phil Jones: 7.0

Jones anchored down the central defense again today. After a good game last week, Jones put in another performance that had the Leicester attack flustered. Especially going up against the pacy Vardy, it was a match that would test Jones. Jones would finish the game with 6 clearances and a 96% pass success rate. Making good stops and smart decisions is wonderful to see from the central defender.

Henrik Mkhitaryan: 7.0

Mkhitaryan has been one of the most consistent players for Manchester United week in and week out. His playmaking ability is world class and for the third week in a row he had an assist in the match. The assist came from a corner kick in which Mkhitarayn placed the ball right onto the foot of Rashford who then one timed it into the net. Mkhitaryan finished the game with 2 shots, 1 assist, and an 87% pass success rate.

Nemanja Matić: 6.5

Matić had a rather quiet game in the midfield, although it was a well-rounded performance. Turning in an 88% pass success rate, winning 8 duels, and intercepting 2 passes. Matić played the entire game and showed exactly what you like to see out of a midfield player.

Anthony Martial: 6.5

Martial was introduced into the starting eleven against Leicester. Martial has been playing extremely well the last two games and it seems that Mourinho has taken notice. Martial played with speed and control in the game. He could have extended his scoring streak to three games, but unfortunately fell short. Martial made some good plays and looked to be in good form.

Romelu Lukaku: 6.0

Lukaku seemed to struggle in the match. In the 53rd minute Lukaku was chosen to take a penalty kick for United, which at the time made everyone feel that it would be the first goal of the day. Unfortunately, the keeper saved the penalty and kept the game scoreless. A play that Lukaku will surely want to forget. It seemed to be one of those days for Lukaku that surely all footballers can expect to have.

Daley Blind: 6.0

The Dutchman resumed his role as United’s starting left back versus Leicester. Blind’s role as a free kick specialist continued as well, his ability to send long balls from free kicks is top class. Defensively Blind has been reliable and doesn’t try to do too much with the ball when at his feet. Another solid contribution has his role as a starter safe for now.

Eric Bailly: 6.0

Bailly held down the backline for United. After scoring his first Premier League goal in last week’s game, Bailly looked confident as ever on the pitch this week. Bailly is a supreme athlete and can run with any opposing striker. United will count on him to continue his lockdown defense as the season progresses.