The defence of Manchester United undermines them

 

It was a game where Brendan Rogers’ side failed to create clear cut opportunities – they struggled and surely, Manchester United of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should have bagged full pints and start the Boxing Day Football in style. But in the end, they discovered, lying behind the Foxes.

Marcus Rashford was guilty of a glaring miss after just 71 seconds, inexplicably heading over from six yards following the lofted cross of Bruno Fernandes.

But Rashford made amends in the 23rd minute, though, coolly slotting home his 50th Premier League goal from 12 yards after Fernandes had diverted Daniel James' pass into his path.

Leicester restored parity eight minutes later, Barnes lashing past David de Gea from outside the penalty area after Fernandes had given possession away cheaply.

Kasper Schmeichel denied a dangerous-looking Rashford shortly before the hour mark, while Anthony Martial saw an effort disallowed for offside as United looked most likely to score again after the restart.

Ole brought on his super sub – Edinson Cavani, who did not take time to deliver by assisting Fernandes, who slid past Schmeichel and take the lead.

Fernandes doffed his imaginary hat celebration – thinking he had won it for the Red Devils, but the backline of United let down all the efforts.

 Jamie Vardy had the final say, however, bundling home via Tuanzebe after he had been picked out in the area by Ayoze Perez.

At first Fernandes and Scott McTominay shared the blame for Harvey Barnes' long-range equalizer in the first half and later it was Eric Bailly who failed to stick with Vardy inside the penalty area with just five minutes left.

Before this fixture at the Kings Power Stadium, Manchester United had conceded the most goals of any side in the top-half of the Premier League with 21 goals, despite having played a game fewer than the majority of their rivals.

Liverpool digested 19 and they lost Virgil van Dijk as well as regular partner Joe Gomez to long-term injuries. Manchester United have pretty much played with a first-choice central defence all season, even if Solskjaer opted for Bailly to act as Harry Maguire's partner here, with Victor Lindelof shunted out to right-back.

The defensive fragilities have cost Manchester United this season a lot. In the Champions League it was evident, while in the Premier League, the backline is letting them down again.

They need solidity at the back, but during these tough times, doing business has become tougher.  

Note: This article has been posted in Cricketsoccer as CSdesk on 26/12/2020 The defence of Manchester United undermine them

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