What a difference a week makes, this time six days ago as the Reds crashed to a third successive defeat, the knives were out for Jose Mourinho, Paul Pogba and a certain scouser wearing the skipper’s armband.
The talk ahead of today’s clash with the champions was whether Wayne Rooney would start after a series of underwhelming performances. One of the reason’s Jose is seen as the true successor to Sir Alex, is that like the Scot he’s not afraid to make the tough decisions and doesn’t kowtow to egos. Out went Rooney and in came an attacking trio of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard. It wasn’t just the captain who was jettisoned for today’s match as Marouane Fellaini also found himself on the substitutes bench. It took less than half an hour to realise Mourinho had got his tactics spot on as the Reds took the lead, before completely dominating the first half to take a 4-0 lead. The second half saw Leicester restore a bit of pride by pulling a goal back but it was a stunning return to form for Mourinho’s men.
David De Gea – Little he could do about Demarai Gray’s goal and pulled off a couple of good saves although his distribution was patchy. 6
Antonio Valencia- Was stretched slightly by Gray in the second half but played his part getting forward and for much of the game wasn’t troubled. 7
Chris Smalling – Got his goal and commanded the defence well, one of his best games for the Reds in a while. 7
Eric Bailly – Kept Jamie Vardy quiet and was his usual energetic self – it’s hard not to love this guy. 7
Daley Blind- Excellent corners for three of United’s goals and read the game superbly. 8
Ander Herrera- Was superb throughout snuffing out much of Leicester’s attacks and starting United’s. 8
Paul Pogba- Amazing first half with some quality passes and got his first goal for the Reds since returning. Wasn’t as influential in the second half as the Reds’ relaxed. 7
Juan Mata- Great goal and an energetic performance with enough class on the ball to remind Jose why he got it wrong letting him leave Chelsea and right today by picking him. 7
Jesse Lingard- Put his derby day nightmare behind him with an assured performance today where his pace and energy caused Leicester problems.
Marcus Rashford- Another game, another goal, from the golden boy who simply cannot be dropped for the big games ever again. 7
Zlatan Ibrahimovic- Class throughout- might not have got his goal but was the focal point of United’s attack. 7
Subs:
Carrick for Lingard- Neat and tidy. 7
Rooney for Rashford – Some nice touches. 6
Young for Mata – N/A
Jose Mourinho – Got his tactics spot on and made the right decision in dropping both Rooney and Fellaini. 8
Referee – Mike Dean – Allowed Leicester plenty of fouls before he showed a yellow card. 4