Leicester 0-1 Man Utd: Player ratings & man of the match as Erik ten Hag continues winning run

Manchester United continued their winning run on Thursday as they beat Leicester City 1-0 at the King Power Stadium.

It was a game low in quality and chances, but Jadon Sancho’s first-half strike proved to be the difference between the teams.

United were the better side in the first half and grabbed the only goal of the match after 22 minutes when they took advantage of some disorganised Leicester defending.

The Red Devils broke in behind the hosts’ backline with Marcus Rashford flicking the ball into the path of Sancho, who rounded Danny Ward and passed it into the back of the net.

United grew in confidence from then on, but failed to create any real openings other than speculative shots from Christian Eriksen.

Yet Leicester were much improved after the break, and James Maddison forced David de Gea into a full-length save to keep out his free-kick from distance.

Rashford and Cristiano Ronaldo had strikes late on which went close, as the visitors ended the game as the better side.

Maddison and James Justin also registered shots in injury-time, neither of which were on target.

Here’s how we rated the players...

Manchester United player ratings

David de Gea- 6

Made one good save to keep out Maddison, but was rarely tested by the Foxes.

Diogo Dalot- 7

Continued his decent form and did well not to overcommit against Harvey Barnes after picking up an early booking.

Raphael Varane- 7

A good showing from Varane who made timely interceptions and blocks, while also reducing the gaps for Leicester to attack into.

Lisandro Martinez- 6

Enjoyed a real battle with Jamie Vardy and looked good in possession.

Tyrell Malacia- 6

Looked good defensively and rarey misplaced a pass down the left flank.

Scott McTominay- 7

Helped United keep possession and broke up several Leicester attacks. In a game lacking real quality, we awarded the hard-working midfielder or man-of-the-match award.

Christian Eriksen- 7

A slick showing from the former Brentford man who was good on the ball and looked composed throughout.

Bruno Fernandes- 7

Brought a lot of energy and improved as the game went on. He was one of United’s better players.

Anthony Elanga- 7 (off 59)

Took up some good positions in the first half and created space for Sancho’s goal.

Marcus Rashford- 6 (off 87)

A mixed night for the attacker, who helped link the play and set up Sancho’s goal, but also had too many sloppy moments.

Jadon Sancho- 6 (off 68)

Did well for the goal and had some good dribbles, but had spells where he flitted out of the match.

Casemiro- 5 (on 59)

Misplaced quite a few passes, but did help United wrestle back control of the game after his introduction.

Cristiano Ronaldo- 6 (on 68)

Was good after coming on and linked well with Rashford down the left wing.

Fred (on 87)

Leicester player ratings

Ward 5; Justin 5, Ndidi 6, Evans 6, Thomas 4; Soumare 5, Maddison 6, Tielemans 5 (Iheanacho 76; 4), Dewsbury-Hall 5, Barnes 6; Vardy 3 (Daka 87).