If a striker hasn't scored in the Premier League for a while, they should hope for a matchup with Leicester City. At Manchester United, both Rasmus Højlund and Alejandro Garnacho ended their goal droughts against the team managed by Ruud van Nistelrooij, who is increasingly fearing relegation.
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Manchester United secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Leicester City, further worsening the difficult situation for Ruud van Nistelrooij's side.
The win not only provided relief for the Red Devils but also made Leicester’s survival hopes even more complicated as they remain deeply embroiled in the relegation battle.
The situation for the Foxes became even more dire after Wolverhampton Wanderers secured a win in matchweek 29, widening the gap to safety. With just nine games remaining in the season, Leicester now finds itself nine points adrift of the safe zone, making their task of avoiding relegation increasingly difficult. Van Nistelrooij, who took charge with ambitions of stabilizing the club, is now under growing pressure as his team struggles to find consistency and results.
On the other hand, Manchester United can afford to look ahead with optimism, despite their current 13th-place position in the Premier League table. While far from where they aspire to be, recent developments off the pitch signal a promising future. The club recently announced plans for a state-of-the-art new stadium, a move that highlights their long-term vision. Additionally, United remain alive in Europe, having secured a place in the Europa League quarterfinals earlier in the week, keeping their hopes for silverware intact.
Sunday’s match was particularly significant for three key players: Rasmus Højlund, Alejandro Garnacho, and Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese midfielder was instrumental in the victory, scoring the third goal to seal the 3-0 result while also providing assists for both of his teammates.
Højlund, who had been under intense scrutiny due to his prolonged goal drought, finally broke his dry spell in the 28th minute, ending a frustrating run of 21 games without scoring. His goal was a moment of relief, not just for him but for the entire squad, as United have struggled with attacking efficiency throughout the season. Garnacho, another player who had been waiting to get back on the scoresheet, doubled United’s lead in the second half, netting his first goal in 16 matches. The Argentine winger, known for his electrifying pace and dribbling ability, has been searching for confidence, and this goal could prove to be a crucial turning point in his season.
From a tactical standpoint, United executed their game plan effectively. Erik ten Hag opted for a structured yet aggressive approach, allowing his team to dominate possession while exploiting Leicester’s defensive vulnerabilities. The high press worked well, forcing Leicester into mistakes and enabling United to capitalize on turnovers. Meanwhile, Leicester struggled to create clear-cut chances and were repeatedly exposed at the back. Their inability to contain Fernandes in midfield ultimately proved costly, as he dictated much of United’s attacking play with his vision and precise passing.
Defensively, United were solid, with Andre Onana, Noussair Mazraoui, Christian Eriksen, and Matthijs de Ligt all playing crucial roles in maintaining a clean sheet. De Ligt, in particular, stood out in the closing stages, making a vital last-ditch block to deny a goal-bound effort from Facundo Buonanotte. The Dutch defender, who has been dealing with injury concerns in recent months, showcased his importance with a composed and determined performance. However, he suffered a heavy tackle from Wilfred Ndidi late in the match, taking a painful hit to his ankle. Despite the discomfort, De Ligt played through the pain and finished the match, though concerns remain about his fitness ahead of the international break. An injury at this stage would be a major setback, especially for Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman, who is already without key defenders Nathan Aké and Stefan de Vrij.
For Leicester, this defeat further highlighted their issues at both ends of the pitch. Offensively, they failed to convert the limited chances they created, with Jamie Vardy and Kelechi Iheanacho struggling to break through United’s backline. Defensively, their lack of organization was evident once again, as United found space and time to operate with relative ease. Van Nistelrooij must now find a way to rally his squad quickly, as every remaining match is crucial in their battle for survival.
Looking ahead, Manchester United will aim to build on this result and push further up the table. With their Europa League campaign still alive and the motivation to finish the season on a high note, they still have plenty to play for. For Leicester, the challenge is clear: they must find a way to secure vital points in the coming weeks, or they risk suffering the unthinkable fate of relegation to the Championship.
Updated: 09:45, 16 Mar 2025
