Sancho strikes again as Man Utd win at rock-bottom Leicester

Manchester United continued their revival with a third consecutive victory after Jadon Sancho struck the only goal to keep winless Leicester bottom of the Premier League.

The horror shows of last month against Brighton and Brentford are now long forgotten for Erik ten Hag’s side, who are up to fifth and above Liverpool and Chelsea.

Sancho scored his second of the season in the 23rd minute as United capitalised on Leicester’s poor defensive positioning with the winger rounding goalkeeper Danny Ward from Marcus Rashford’s through ball.

Leicester were booed off at full-time following a lacklustre performance as pressure grows on boss Brendan Rodgers with this their worst start since 1994.

How Man Utd marched on

Struggling Leicester were second best throughout a drab clash as United rarely looked trouble in one of the easiest away victories they will have this season.

The home side’s troubles were summed up by the manner in which they conceded. Goalkeeper Danny Ward launched the ball into the United half which was won by Diogo Dalot. With Leicester’s defensive positioning a mess, Bruno Fernandes quickly passed into Rashford, he was allowed to turn and slip in Sancho, whose first touch took him round Ward for an easy finish.

Leicester did not have a touch in the United box during the first half although they did come out after the break with more purpose, determined to end United’s record of not losing for eight years when leading at half-time. James Maddison forced David de Gea into flying save from a 25-yard free-kick, but that was as close as they’d come.

Ten Hag introduced Casemiro just before the hour and then want-away forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who acrobatically shot wide late on as Transfer Deadline Day ticked away in the background.

James Justin shot over from inside the United box with a last-gasp Leicester chance, compounding another miserable night at the King Power.

Opta stats – Ronaldo’s new bench warming role

Manchester United have won three Premier League games in a row for the first time since December – which was the also the last time they named the same starting XI in three consecutive games in the competition.Leicester have lost their last two home league games, as many as they had in their previous 14 at the King Power Stadium (W8 D4).Manchester United have received more yellow cards than any other Premier League side this season (17). Their average of 3.4 cards per game is the highest for a club in a single campaign in the competition’s history.Each of Cristiano Ronaldo’s last three appearances for Manchester United have been as a substitute, the first time since December 2005 he’s played three consecutive games from the bench in his club career.

What’s next?

Leicester travel to Brighton on Sunday; kick-off 2pm. Manchester United later host Arsenal on Super Sunday; kick-off 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports Premier League.