Three takeaways as Manchester United beat Leicester 2-0 to maintain 100% record

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  • Manchester United left it late against Leicester City at Old Trafford on Saturday.

    Despite dominating proceedings, the hosts only made the breakthrough in the 70th minute through Marcus Rashford.

    Romelu Lukaku’s penalty was saved by Kasper Schmeichel earlier in the first half but United rallied in the last 20 minutes to seal a 2-0 victory.

    Substitutes Jesse Lingard and Marouane Fellaini combined for the second goal in the 82nd minute.

    Here are three things we learned from the encounter.

    POGBA GROWING USED TO MATIC SECURITY

    Matic’s arrival from Chelsea was always seen as a move to not only shield the defence but also to free up Pogba and get the most out of him.

    In the opening couple of fixtures, that seemed to be the case on paper but in reality, the Frenchman only really bombed forward later on when Marouane Fellaini was introduced and sat alongside the Serbian.

    Pogba’s influence further up the pitch was improved but only against Leicester did he start to take full advantage of Matic’s presence. He had more touches than anyone else on the pitch (131), made more passes (106) and had more shots (6) as well.

    If the Frenchman can maintain his faith in his midfield partner and exploit spaces further up the pitch, he’s only going to grow in influence in a United shirt.

    Pogba connects with one of his 131 touches

    Pogba connects with one of his 131 touches

    UNITED FINISH STRONG

    United have now scored 10 goals in three outings this season and six of them have come in the last 10 minutes of games. Jose Mourinho has got them looking like a solid unit but going forward, they’re relentless.

    Fellaini’s introduction last season usually meant United were shutting up shop and while that may be the intention this time around as well, the team have actually pushed on in his presence rather than retreating into their shell.

    In fact, United have scored more goals with Fellaini on the pitch (6) than they have with him off it (4). The desire to kill games off is clearly a significant new trait in this team compared to the one under Mourinho last season.

    Fellaini joins the party

    Fellaini joins the party

    MAGUIRE CAN HELP RESTORE LEICESTER’S SOLIDITY

    When Leicester won the Premier League two years ago, Wes Morgan and Robert Huth forged a central defensive partnership that was the bedrock for their success. The Foxes conceded just 36 goals, the joint second best defensive record in the league that term.

    With both centre-backs now 33 though, fresh blood was definitely needed in that back-line and Harry Maguire has slotted in perfectly for Craig Shakespeare’s side.

    Signed for £17 million this summer, the 24-year-old was one of the away side’s best players on Saturday, making four interceptions and 10 clearances. He won the most aerial duels (5) as well among the Leicester players.

    Harry Maguire proving to be a great signing

    Harry Maguire proving to be a great signing

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