Sunday, September 21, 2014

Leicester 5-3 Manchester United - All Goals

The Red Devils led at the interval but imploded in the second half against Nigel Pearson's men, who came back from two goals down to claim a famous win

Jamie Vardy and Leonardo Ulloa were the heroes as Leicester City roared back from two goals down to claim a famous win over Manchester United in a eight-goal thriller at King Power Stadium.

Two goals in three minutes from Robin van Persie and Angel di Maria put United in a commanding position early on but Ulloa's header ensured Leicester were still alive at the interval.

Ander Herrera appeared to have settled matters when his flick wrong-footed Kasper Schmeichel to put United 3-1 up, but David Nugent struck from the penalty spot on 62 minutes before summer signing Esteban Cambiasso brought the hosts level moments later with a low drive.

United poured forward in search of a winner but it was Leicester who showed the greater ruthlessness, with Vardy applying a clinical finish to a counter-attack and Ulloa converting a penalty which saw youngster Tyler Blackett sent off.
Radamel Falcao made his expected United debut, replacing the in-form Juan Mata, with captain Wayne Rooney eased back into a slightly deeper role.
Vardy was one of four changes for Leicester alongside former United trainee Danny Drinkwater, Cambiasso and son of Old Trafford legend Peter Schmeichel, goalkeeper Kasper.
Schmeichel was called into early work after Van Persie was fed by Di Maria, but he could do nothing about the Dutchman's deflected header from a superb Falcao cross which put the visitors ahead on 13 minutes.

The lead was doubled in sublime fashion three minutes later when Di Maria linked up with Rooney before the Argentina star lifted a delightful effort over the helpless keeper.

However, United were almost immediately caught cold at the other end when Vardy got to the byline and crossed for Ulloa to head home powerfully to David de Gea's left.

The visitors suffered another setback when Jonny Evans limped off and was replaced by Chris Smalling with less than half an hour gone, but both defences just about managed to hold firm for the rest of a fast and furious first period.
Falcao went close to restoring United's two-goal cusion at the start of the second half when controlling a Rooney pass and firing a half-volley against the crossbar, but it proved a temporary respite for Leicester.
It was Herrera who did claim the third when flicking a Di Maria strike from the edge of the area past a stranded Schmeichel on 57 minutes.
However, Leicester again showed great heart to rally through a Nugent spot kick after Rafael da Silva shoved Vardy in the box and Cambiasso connected sweetly with a shot from just inside the area to level the scores just after the hour.
As United poured forward in search of a winner, they were caught woefully short in defence.
Mata, on as a substitute, was robbed by Ritchie De Laet, whose throughball released Vardy - the former Fleetwood Town man keeping his nerve to slot past De Gea one-on-one.
A mesmerising comeback was complete just four minutes later, more defensive dithering allowed Vardy in on goal again and Blackett could only chop him down in the penalty area, earning the youngster a straight red card and providing Ulloa the chance to cap a stunning outing for Leicester and a first home win in the top flight since May 2004.

Premier League - Leicester vs Man United preview

Following a troubled start to Manchester United's season in which they lost to Swansea and then suffered a 4-0 humiliation at MK Dons in the Capital One Cup, Louis van Gaal's side finally gave their fans something to cheer about with a 4-0 disposal of QPR last weekend.

Summer signings Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind started and impressed for the Red Devils, but, despite the scoreline, the biggest cheer of the day was reserved for Radamel Falcao's introduction.

Angel di Maria produced another virtuoso performance and was deservedly named man of the match for a second consecutive fixture.

United go into the fixture against Nigel Pearson's Leicester high on confidence but will be wary of the Foxes who have started the season well and sit level on points with this weekend's opponents.

TEAM NEWS

Esteban Cambiasso could start for Leicester after his impressive 45-minute outing in the win over Stoke last week.

The former Inter Milan midfielder is primed for a home debut after joining on a free transfer in the summer.

Kasper Schmeichel is available after missing the Foxes' Britannia Stadium win with a ligament strain, Ben Hamer deputising, and Nick Powell is ineligible against his parent club under the terms of his loan from Old Trafford Defender Chris Smalling has recovered from a groin injury and is available for Manchester United's game at Leicester on Sunday.

Sam Johnstone (elbow), Phil Jones (hamstring), Ashley Young (groin), Michael Carrick (ankle), Jesse Lingard (knee), Marouane Fellaini (ankle) are out.

Reece James and James Wilson are unlikely to feature due to unspecified injuries, but left-back Luke Shaw could make his debut.

MANAGER QUOTES
Nigel Pearson: "United look like they have a swagger back, they have added quality. Whenever there is a change in manager you can have people who have a short-term impact.When you have someone in charge for as long as Sir Alex (Ferguson) the transition period will never be easy.They have been a huge presence within the English game for a long time. I'm sure they will reignite that at some point."
Louis van Gaal: "I don't think that Falcao interfered with Van Persie (against QPR) or that he interfered with Falcao. Falcao is a very good striker, I already said that when he came here in his first press conference. I like Van Persie as well - he is also a very good striker. Then we have Wayne Rooney and Adnan Januzaj, and we also have James Wilson. We have five players for the two striker positions and I have to choose."

MATCH FACTS

The Foxes have netted just one goal in their last eight Premier League matches against Manchester United. Wayne Rooney has scored in both of his Barclays Premier League appearances against Leicester City.

The Red Devils have won the last nine successive Premier League games against Leicester City.

Angel Di Maria has scored the only direct free-kick goal in the Premier League this season.

Wayne Rooney’s 175 Premier League goals came in 378 games, compared to 258 for Thierry Henry, who also scored 175. Juan Mata has eight goals and four assists in 19 Premier League games for Manchester United.

United have gone four Premier League away games without a win (D3 L1); they last went five without a victory in September 2001.

Manchester United have used a league-high 26 players already this season, at least three more than any other club.

Manchester United have won only four of their last 17 Premier League games on a Sunday (D7 L6). Before this run, United were unbeaten in 22 Premier League games on a Sunday (W18 D4).