Manchester United’s preseason qualms evaporated as they opened the Premier League season with a 2-1 win over Leicester.
The victory was far more comfortable than the scoreline suggests. Goals from a commanding Paul Pogba and rejuvenating Luke Shaw – his first at senior level – were enough for the Red Devils, despite an instinctive Jamie Vardy header giving the hosts brief discomfort deep in stoppage time.
After troublesome preparations to the campaign, where Jose Mourinho cut his typical defeatist figure more regularly, many expected United to struggle in front of their hopeful supporters.
That wasn’t the case. The Red Devils were fueled by an imposing Pogba whose World Cup buoyancy is still evidently carrying him through, and a near-complete display stands them in good stead in the infant stages of 2018/19.
Here is how the Red Devils got on in the Premier League curtain-raiser at Old Trafford.
Goalkeeper: David de Gea – 7.5
A problematic World Cup with Spain, underscored by his dreadful error in their opener against Portugal, blemished the ‘world’s best goalkeeper’ tag from David de Gea’s name.
He certainly had a point to prove here, and he did so with verve. The Spaniard made a terrific save in the first half; an acrobatic stop from a fierce James Maddison strike. He went on to continue his commendable performance between the sticks.
De Gea got caught in two minds at the very end when Ricardo Pereira’s teasing delivery caught everyone out, and he could do nothing when Vardy nodded home two minutes from time.
Overall the sort of display Manchester United would have wanted from their number one.
Left full back: Luke Shaw – 8/10
It was refreshing to see one of England and Manchester United’s former starlets shimmer in the glow of a superb performance.
Luke Shaw has had a tough time, not just under Jose Mourinho, and injury has blighted his admittedly fragmented career at Old Trafford.
His goal – well taken from the left hand side of the box – was a real weight lifted off his shoulders and the euphoria from him, the remainder of the team and even Mourinho was a pleasing sight.
Hopefully this game is the springboard for Shaw to get back to where many expected him to be. Credit to Mourinho for placing trust in a man who looked as if he would never be in his side again.
Right full back: Matteo Darmian – 5.5/10
Italian full back Darmian should probably have gone out on loan, and wouldn’t have anticipated to be anywhere near the starting eleven on the opening day.
The World Cup absentees opened the door for him to reignite his Manchester United career, however his flimsy display didn’t go to that many lengths in proving to Mourinho why he deserves to play on a regular basis.
Demarai Gray gave him real trouble down the flank, especially in the first period, and Darmian eventually resorted to committing silly challenges.
Not what Darmian would have hoped for – he will almost certainly be on the sidelines in Manchester United’s next match.
Centre half: Victor Lindelof – 7/10
New centre back who? Sweden international Lindelof indicated why Manchester United and Jose Mourinho should be content with what they have.
His valiant performance, especially in the air, was excellent. Leicester had a number of set pieces, and did little with them thanks to Lindelof getting his head on most of the deliveries.
Admittedly the Foxes rarely bombed forward with the pace and guile Claude Puel would have hoped, however when they did forge an opening it wasn’t for long.
Lindelof will hope Mourinho quietens down about United’s desperate need for a centre half. He did the job just fine.
Centre half: Eric Bailly – 7.5/10
The same can be said about Eric Bailly! Arguably the Red Devils’ best central defender, the former Villarreal man needed to step up.
He did just that and, like Lindelof, was a rock in the middle of defence. He let little slip and despite the Foxes’ vast number of corners in the first half, they were denied opportunities until the latter stages of the encounter.
An impressive display from Bailly who should keep his place for Manchester United’s next match.