United Beyond Manchester

Manchester United needed a result to build on their 4-1 midweek win over Real Sociedad. Not only did Amorim’s side secure a 3-0 victory at the King Power Stadium, but they dominated the match from start to finish.

Match Flow

Manchester United were on top early, controlling possession and producing more attacking opportunities. In the 23rd minute, Christian Eriksen nearly scored a wonder goal off a corner kick. The Dane took the corner short to Bruno Fernandes, received the ball back, and struck an audacious curling effort that hit the post and came out.

Four minutes later, Rasmus Hojlund finally broke his goalscoring drought. Bruno Fernandes supplied a beautiful ball over the top to the 22-year-old, who confidently took the ball into the box and dispatched a strike into the far corner of the Leicester City net to put the Reds up 1-0.

The remainder of the half was fairly quiet, with little opportunity for either side to score. United ended the half well on top, dominating the ball and outshooting the Foxes 9-4.

A major blow hit Manchester United early in the second half. Standout teenager Ayden Heaven was stretchered off after a leg injury, adding to the club’s long list of defensive woes that includes Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans, and Leny Yoro.

The Reds thought that Alejandro Garnacho had doubled the lead shortly after Heaven went off, but after a quick VAR check, the Argentine was deemed to have been offside.

In the 67th minute, Garnacho did get his goal. After having his initial pass blocked Bruno Fernandes dinked the ball into the star winger, who swiveled and hit the ball first time past Mads Hermansen.

Captain Fernandes scored in the 89th minute for his third goal contribution of the match. Diogo Dalot beat his defender on the right and played an exquisite ball to his fellow countryman, who coolly finished from the top of the box for 3-0.

Talking Point

Rasmus Hojlund scored for the first time since mid-December with a first-half goal, capping perhaps his best week this season. The Dane assisted United’s fourth against Sociedad in the Europa League and may be finding his groove at the right time.

In seven days, Bruno Fernandes had five goals and two assists, a ridiculous total for the clear leader of the club. The Portuguese attacking midfielder will look to continue his form over the international break ahead of important matches against Nottingham Forest and Manchester City in early April.

Before his injury, Ayden Heaven was the best player on the pitch. The 18-year-old took his chance excellently this week after debuting against Arsenal. While the use of the stretcher indicates that his season may be over, Heaven showed enough to excite fans over the young defender’s future.

Next Match

Manchester United’s next match will not come until after the international break. On April 1, the Reds will travel to The City Ground to face high-flying Nottingham Forest.