Manchester United cruised to a 3-0 victory over Leicester City, thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes, a Victor Kristiansen own goal and substitute Alejandro Garnacho.
For the opener, Amad Diallo produced an excellent back-heel assist for Fernandes, who found the bottom corner with a powerful shot.
Fernandes was at it 20 minutes later, this time producing a touch that deflected off Kristiansen to head into the back of the Leicester net. The United skipper then found Garnacho inside the box before the Carrington academy graduate expertly curled the ball into the top corner with his right foot.
It was certainly a brilliant result for United, in what was Ruud van Nistelrooy’s final match in charge as interim manager.
United had 52% possession in comparison to the Foxes’ 58% share of the ball. United managed three shots on target from their total 13 cracks at goal. Leicester on the other hand attempted six shots, testing Andre Onana five times.
The Red Devils put together 487 passes with a pass accuracy of 84%. The visitors strung 26 fewer passes with a success rate of 83%.
Beyond his involvement in all three goals, Fernandes touched the ball on 71 occasions and successfully found his teammates with 39 of the 52 passes he attempted.
Seven of his passes were key passes.
Fernandes tried to connect with five crosses and three long balls and was successful with just one cross and two long balls.
He attempted two shots, one of which was on-target for the goal, while the other didn’t require Mads Hermansen to intervene.
The Portugal international won four of the seven ground duels he delved into and came out on top in two of the aerial challenges he contested.
The playmaker also made one clearance and as many interceptions. He put in four tackles.
(Stats obtained from Sofascore)
Before the match, Fernandes was honoured by the club for reaching a club milestone of 250 appearances since he joined from Sporting Lisbon. What a way to mark the occasion.
A special 2️⃣5️⃣0️⃣ presentation.
👏 @B_Fernandes8#MUFC pic.twitter.com/q8OAEAnWD5
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 10, 2024
Up next for United is Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town after the international break.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
