FanSided World Football
·16 March 2025
Manchester United player ratings: Fernandes shines in convincing 3-0 victory

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·16 March 2025
Manchester United claimed a comfortable 3-0 win against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Sunday. Rasmus Højlund, Alejandro Garnacho, and Bruno Fernandes were on the scoresheet for them. The visitors remained largely in control throughout the match, climbing above Tottenham Hotspur into 13th place in the table. They are now unbeaten in seven games and head into the international break high on confidence.
Ruben Amorim's side dominated the first half, controlling possession and moving the ball well. The first major chance fell to Christian Eriksen, whose superb curling effort struck the post. Bruno Fernandes, at the heart of United’s attacking play, delivered a well-weighted lofted ball over the top for Rasmus Højlund, who finished clinically after taking a few touches.
Leicester had a rare first-half opportunity after Victor Lindelöf failed to clear a header properly, but André Onana was quick to react and made the save. The home side’s best chance came when Noussair Mazraoui was late in clearing the ball, leading to two consecutive shots, both denied by Ayden Heaven.
In the second half, Leicester started positively, which allowed Manchester United to exploit the spaces left behind. Ayden Heaven was unfortunate to be replaced after getting injured. Alejandro Garnacho thought he had doubled United’s lead after being found by Højlund, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
However, moments later, the Argentine did find the net. Pressure from United forced a mistake, and Bruno Fernandes poked the ball towards Garnacho, who finished first-time to make it 2-0. Leicester’s best opportunity to pull one back came when Jamie Vardy set up Facundo Buonanotte, but a brilliant block from Matthijs de Ligt denied him.
United then put the game beyond doubt with a third goal. Casemiro delivered a pinpoint diagonal pass to Diogo Dalot, who executed a clever step-over before sending a low cross into the box. Bruno Fernandes was on hand to finish with precision, sealing a well-earned 3-0 victory. Leicester City attempted to grab a consolation goal, but most of their efforts ended up in the hands of André Onana.
Onana handled the ball well when Lindelöf misjudged a header and made a calm save from Vardy’s shot late in the game. He collected the ball confidently whenever required.
The Dutch international was solid throughout. He made a superb block to deny Facundo Buonanotte in the second half. The center-back wasn't tested much and had everything under control.
In the first half, the Swede misjudged a header that could have been costly but was otherwise steady and did his job well.
The 18-year-old made a crucial stop to deny Patson Daka early in the match and made two superb blocks later in the first half. Unfortunately, he got injured while trying to block Daka’s shot in the 51st minute but was excellent before his withdrawal.
Maraoui struggled with a clearance that led to a Leicester chance in the first half but was otherwise steady. Shifted positions after tactical changes.
The Portuguese international was involved in everything positive for United. He assisted Højlund’s goal with a perfect pass, won the ball multiple times, set up Garnacho for the second, and capped it off with a brilliant finish for the third. A captain’s performance.
Ugarte took a couple of early shots and made a key clearance from a dangerous cross later in the first half. He had an uneventful performance.
Dalot missed an opportunity to find Eriksen early in the game but adapted well to positional changes. His excellent step-over created space for the cross that led to Fernandes’ goal. The wing-back defensively did well.
The Argentine had a few shots on target and thought he had scored before being ruled offside. Took his actual goal brilliantly with a composed first-time finish. He did well.
The Dane came close with a superb curling shot that hit the post in the first half. Played a deeper role among the front three and had a quiet but tidy game.
Højlund lost a few early duels but made no mistake with his goal, finishing well after being played through by Fernandes.
Collyer came on for the injured Heaven and did his job without fuss.
The Brazilian played a superb diagonal pass in the buildup to United’s third goal. Otherwise calm and composed in midfield.
Zirkzee made a few good runs, but the game was already secured by the time he entered.
The 18-year-old showed good control in one instance but had little impact as the game was already won.
Obi-Martin had too little time to make an impact, simply helping to see out the win.