United seal comfortable win over Leicester with Fernandes and Garnacho on target

Bruno Fernandes marked his 250th Manchester United appearance with a goal and contributions in both of the others during a 3-0 win against Leicester City.

With Ruben Amorim taking charge in the coming days, the United skipper showed his credentials to the new boss.

Fernandes put United into the driving seat with a 17th-minute strike following an eloquent flick by Amad Diallo to find space outside the box.

Amorim still has defensive problems to solve as Wilfred Ndidi broke through the United defence, only for goalkeeper Andre Onana to save his back four.

Fernandes played his part in the second goal, stooping to head Noussair Mazraoui’s cross and the evasive action by defender Victor Kristiansen resulted in the defender kneeling the ball into his own net.

United were in control of the second half and substitute Alejandro Garnacho sealed the points with a fine strike eight minutes from time, following a surging Fernandes run.

Amorim now takes charge during the international break before United head to Ipswich in two weeks’ time.

Leicester sit just two points above the bottom three and have work to do during the break, before hosting Chelsea.

Talking Point – Ruud van Nistelrooy gives United renewed optimism in unbeaten stint

A record of three wins and a draw under their interim boss has given Old Trafford renewed optimism for the future.

Whether Ruud van Nistelrooy is given a different role under the new boss is yet to be confirmed, but The Red Devils have responded during his time in charge.

Fernandes has scored four goals in as many games for Van Nistelrooy and the Portuguese midfielder has epitomised the feeling around United.

However, new boss Amorim will be looking for improvements in both boxes as a lacklustre Leicester side still breached the home defence at times.

At the other end Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford failed to impress despite the 3-0 win.

Player of the match – Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

Fernandes led by example striking his side into the lead and then playing a key role in the second.

Determined not to let Leicester back into the encounter, he led a solid midfield display.

Not settling for just the two goals Fernandes then made the darting run before feeding Garnacho to score the third.

Player Ratings

Manchester United: Onana 7, Dalot 7, De Ligt 6, Martinez 6, Mazraoui 7, Casemiro 7, Ugarte 8, Amad 7, Fernandes 8, Rashford 6, Hojlund 6. Subs: Eriksen 7, Evans 6, Garnacho 7, Zirkzee 6.

Leicester City: Hermansen 7, Justin 6, Faes 6, Vestergaard 6, Kristiansen 6, Soumare 6, Ndidi 7, Winks 6, Fatawu 7, Ayew 7, Buonanotte 7. Subs: Edouard 6, El Khannouss 6, McAteer 6.

Match Highlights

17’ -GOAL! MANCHESTER UNITED 1 (FERNANDES) LEICESTER CITY 0: Fernandes plays a one-two with Amad and then skips in from the wing. With goalkeeper Hermansen unsighted by a busy box Fernandes fires his side into the lead.

28’ -NDIDI EFFORT SAVED: A moment of hesitation in the United defence sees Ndidi run through past De Ligt, but Onana is quickly out of his goal to save.

36’ – GOAL! MANCHESTER UNITED 2 (KRISTIANSEN) LEICESTER CITY 0: It’s a second goal of the half for United. Mazraoui with an inviting ball which Fernandes stoops for before the ball comes of the knee of Kristiansen and into the net.

45+2’ -AMAD EFFORT SAVED: Leicester have a free-kick which is cleared but the hosts hit on the counter-attack. Amad runs at the last man and then sees his low effort saved by the leg of Hermansen.

69’ -ONANA GETS FINGERTIPS TO BALL: It’s a good save by the United goalkeeper. Leicester look unthreatening on the edge of the box until Ayew sends a stinging effort which looked to be just nipping inside the post. However, Onana is equal to the shot.

82’ -GOAL! MANCHESTER UNITED 3 (GARNACHO) LEICESTER CITY 0: From one end to the other as Eriksen finds Fernandes with a pin-point pass. The United skipper then goes on a driving run which has the visitors backing away. Fernandes then finds Garnacho who swings his effort into the top corner.

Key Stats

TNT Sports will show over 500 matches from the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Conference League across the 2024/25 season. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination.