Manchester United 1-0 Leicester City
This was the opening Premier League fixture of last season.
Much has changed since then.
The club’s two managers for a start.
Just like the encounter 13 months ago, this was far from a classic, but the result is what matters as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer got the edge over Brendan Rodgers.
A second win of the campaign for United, courtesy of Marcus Rashford’s early penalty, to see off the spirited Foxes.
Highlights of the game
It was a much-needed win, too, because after winning their opening game of the season, United had gone three matches without a win.
What’s more, the Red Devils had won just one of their last nine in the league and had lost three of their last five home Premier League games — as many as they had lost in their previous 52 at Old Trafford (won 32, drawn 17, lost three).
Leicester were always going to be tough opponents. They travelled north unbeaten and had already proven their worth against top opposition on the road.
The decisive goal arrived early on.
Rashford was fouled by Caglar Soyuncu before coolly sending goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel the wrong way from the subsequent spot-kick.
By that point, Andreas Pereira had already stung the hands of Schmeichel with an early free-kick. Then, a bread and butter long ball almost caught United out, bouncing over Victor Lindelof to James Maddison, who forced David De Gea into a good save with his feet.
However, the penalty was the ideal start for the hosts, who never quite reached the heights of their display during the first 20 minutes. But they were solid and showed a real determination when grit was on show more than the panache with which the club has long been associated.
They held onto their lead before the break when De Gea– reportedly set to sign a contract extension with the club next week – kept out a Ben Chilwell volley. The lively Maddison twice went close but, despite edging possession, chances were few for the Foxes.
Indeed, Rashford went closest to adding another goal in the final 10 minutes with a free-kick which struck the angle of the crossbar and post.
Had it gone in, it would have been shown on Premier League 2019 highlights programmes all week.
A word also for Harry Maguire, the subject of a less than flattering chant from fans of the club he departed last month.
Despite receiving a torrid reception, he led United’s rearguard action and also came close to scoring against his old side but headed straight at Schmeichel.
After this, what have we learned?
Well, we already know these two teams are a work in progress.
I still wouldn’t back either side to reach their supposed goals this term — United to make the top four or Leicester the top six. But don’t take my word for it, take a closer look at the SBOBET Premier League 2019 betting odds.
Key statistics
De Gea has two clean sheets in three home Premier League appearances this season — as many as he kept in all 19 home league games at Old Trafford last season.
United are unbeaten in their last 10 league meetings with Leicester (won seven, drawn three) and did the double over the Foxes last season.
United have won nine of their last 10 against Leicester at Old Trafford, drawing the other.
Leicester have won just one of their last 21 league games against United (drawn four, lost 16) – that was on September 2014.
The Foxes have lost 18 Premier League games against United, more than any other opponents.
They have kept only one league clean sheet in 16 league matches. They have conceded 24 goals in this run and scored just 20 times (won five, drawn four, lost seven).
Leicester have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last 11 Premier League away fixtures.
Since Brendan Rodgers’ first Premier League game in charge in early March, Leicester have won 25 points. Only Liverpool and Man City have won more.
Since the beginning of 2014-15, Jamie Vardy has scored 31 Premier League goals against the established Top Six, more than any other player.
Vardy has been directly involved in 14 goals in 15 Premier League games under Rodgers, scoring 12 goals and providing two assists.
What’s next?
United now begin their Europa League campaign – the competition they won two years ago – at home to FC Astana before travelling to West Ham in the Premier League next weekend.
The Foxes have another big top-flight encounter as they welcome Spurs to the King Power Stadium.
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