Five things learnt from Leicester vs Manchester United

Leicester City entertained Manchester United on Saturday evening, in what was the first of a run of games which would tell us exactly how far the Foxes can go this season.

The game ended in a 1-1 draw, which saw Jamie Vardy set a new Premier League record of scoring in eleven straight games, ironically breaking a record set by an ex-Manchester United player (Ruud van Nistelrooy).

Over the course of their next five league games, Leicester encounter Chelsea, both Merseyside clubs and Manchester City, so we will have an even better idea of whether they are for real after those games.

As for Louis van Gaal‘s Red Devils, they are not offering much in an attacking sense, yet they are somehow near the top of the table.

With that in mind, here are five things learnt from Saturday’s game:

5) Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez Vital

Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez are crucial to Leicester and they must do all they can to hold on the pair in the January transfer window.

Let’s face it, it’s unlikely that they will stay near the top of the table, but this dynamic duo are vital to their hopes of staying up there as long as they can.

4) New Tactics at Manchester United

Manchester United fans may now have to get used to the fact that the swashbuckling, gung-ho style that brought them so much success under Sir Alex Ferguson is long gone.

These days, it’s substance rather than style on the menu at Old Trafford.

It may not be to everyone’s taste, but it seems to have tightened them up at the back.

3) Wayne Rooney’s Lost It

Wayne Rooney is clearly not the player he was, and signs of desperation seem to be appearing, as shown by his pathetic attempt to con the referee into awarding a penalty.

He maybe needs to take some time off to get his head together.

The goals will come again, but he will need to be patient.

2) Leicester City Are The Real Deal

The Foxes are no mugs.

Claudio Ranieri can take credit for getting his players fearing nobody. The club are where they are in the table on merit, this is not a fluke, and they can give anybody a game at the moment.

1) Manchester United Need Goals

United need a proper goal threat, a proper 20-goal a season striker.

Wayne Rooney is badly off form, James Wilson has gone on loan to Brighton, and Anthony Martial is too young to have all the pressure all on him.

They need goals to go with the steel at the back.

 

By Steve Osborne       @BlizzardSteve75