Rasmus Hojlund ended his 21-game goal drought as Manchester United secured a convincing win over struggling Leicester City, pushing the Foxes closer to relegation.
The Danish striker, who last scored on December 12, capitalized on defensive errors to open the scoring in the 28th minute. Alejandro Garnacho doubled United’s lead in the second half with his first goal in 24 appearances, while Bruno Fernandes capped the dominant performance with a 90th-minute strike. Fernandes also assisted two of the goals, showcasing his playmaking brilliance.
However, the victory was overshadowed by a potential serious injury to Ayden Heaven, who was stretchered off early in the second half during just his second career start.
The win lifted Manchester United from 15th to 13th in the Premier League standings, offering some momentum following their Europa League quarter-final qualification. Meanwhile, Leicester’s dismal form continued, with their 13th defeat in 14 games leaving them nine points from safety and seemingly destined for a swift return to the Championship.
Leicester’s struggles at home have been historic, as they became the first top-flight team to lose seven consecutive home games without scoring. Their last league goal at the King Power Stadium was on December 8, and they rarely threatened to break that streak.
Hojlund’s long-awaited goal came from a composed finish after a Fernandes pass exposed the Leicester defense. Garnacho added United’s second in the 67th minute, taking advantage of more poor defending, while Fernandes sealed the win with a clinical strike from the edge of the box.
Leicester fans voiced their frustration with banners criticizing the club’s hierarchy, including director of football Jon Rudkin and chief executive Susan Whelan, whom they hold responsible for the team’s decline. Despite their anger, there was little belief in a miraculous escape akin to their 2015 survival or their subsequent Premier League title triumph in 2016.
Under interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, Leicester have struggled to show any fight or resolve, with their dismal defending and lack of attacking threat epitomizing their season. As the Foxes edge closer to relegation, the once-celebrated champions now face an uncertain future.