Man Utd player ratings: Brazil ace comes to Red Devils’ rescue as host nab a precious point
FRED helped Manchester United share the spoils with Leicester following a tense 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
But Ralf Rangnick’s decision to start without an outright striker appeared to leave his side a little toothless up top.
The interim United coach took the gamble of starting Bruno Fernandes as a false nine with Anthony Elanga, Paul Pogba and Jadon Sancho part of United’s attack.
But the interim coach eventually brought Rashford on in a bid to up the ante with United’s attack.
The hosts nabbed a point courtesy of Fred’s assured finished after Kelechi Iheanacho’s gave the Foxes the lead.
But they suffered a scare after James Maddison appeared to fire the Foxes ahead before VAR ruled his late goal out following a foul on Raphael Varane.
The Red Devils are currently three-points off fourth-placed Arsenal with a trip to Everton up next.
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David de Gea 7.5/10
A decent afternoon for the United stopper who was not troubled too much by Leicester’s frontmen. Could do little to stop Leicester’s opener. Pulled off a stunning flying save to deny the visitors a second goal around the 72nd minute.
Raphael Varane: 7/10
The France centre-back was composed at the back for the hosts and knocked a dangerous ball out from the hosts’ box in the 41st minute. However the Frenchman and Maguire were caught cold by Iheanacho’s goal.
Harry Maguire: 7/10
The England defender was welcomed by a huge cheer from home fans and warm applause by the visiting ones after being booed on international duty.
But the defence were caught flat footed by Kelechi Iheanacho near the half-hour mark and couldn’t deal with the Nigerian’s opener for the visitors. Prompted a save from Schmeichel with a late header.
Luke Shaw 7/10
Picked up a yellow card for a sliding tackle around the fourth minute. Was forced to withdraw due to injury in the second half after taking a knock in the first.
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Diogo Dalot 6.5/10
Made some decent runs and looked to get on the end of Paul Pogba’s pass near the 60th minute. Got beaten for pace by Harvey Barnes with just over half an hour of normal time remaining.
Scott McTominay 6/10
Fortunate to stay on the pitch after a lunging studs-up second-half challenge on James Maddison.
Combined well with Anthony Elanga in the 13th minute latching on to a floated pass that forced Castagne to make a last ditch defensive header.
Came off for Marcus Rashford in theb 55th minute.
Fred: 7/10
The Brazil ace was the hero for United after netting a vital equaliser in the 66th minute.
Made up for James Maddison getting the chance to send a dangerous cross into the box for Leicester’s goal.
Paul Pogba: 6.5/10
Looked to find Diogo Dalot with a pass down the right but ended up passing the ball out of play. Was subbed off in the second-half with Rangnick bringing Nemanja Matic on to shore up the midfield.
Bruno Fernandes 7/10
One of the Portugal playmaker’s best chance of the game came near the half-hour mark forcing a decent reflex save from Kasper Schmeichel. Made some good runs forward but struggled to finish.
Jadon Sancho: 6/10
Made runs on the flank but put Inheanacho through on goal late on with a dodgy back pass. Sent a shot wide of target in injury time.
Anthony Elanga: 6.5/10
The liveliest attacker in United’s front line causing problems with his pace at times. Could find the killer finish in the final third.
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Nemanja Matic: 6.5/10
Attempted to shore things up for the hosts in front of defence.
Marcus Rashford: 6.5/10
Came on in the second half and had a decent chance to net in the 88th minute but lost possession of the ball with Schmeichel gathering.