Five things we learnt from Manchester United vs Leicester: Wayne Rooney’s axe allows Paul Pogba and Juan Mata to shine
Jose Mourinho's decision to drop Old Trafford captain frees up space for team-mate to step up and show true qualities
MANCHESTER UNITED got their season back on track in emphatic style with a 4-1 victory over champions, Leicester.
The big news before the match was Jose Mourinho's decision to drop Wayne Rooney — and it paid dividends.
Goals from stand-in captain, Chris Smalling, Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford and a first for Paul Pogba put United 4-0 up at half-time, before Demarai Gray pulled a goal back for the visitors with a stunning strike after the break.
Here are five things we learnt.
1. Roo was right
MOURINHO’S call to drop Rooney was the right call. The United captain’s omission allowed Mata to move into his favoured role, while Pogba had more space in midfield.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic didn’t get on the scoresheet, but he was able to drop back and create room on the wings.
Always looked dangerous and has the body of a man much younger than his 35 years.
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2. Marc of respect
RASHFORD scores goals. Aside from the defeat to Manchester City, where he had a goal chalked off, he has scored in every league game he has played in this season.
Another who deserves to be picked ahead of Rooney.
Even when Anthony Martial is fit again, he can’t expect to be selected ahead of Rashford.
3. Foxes are lost
LEICESTER are stuck between a rock and a hard place.
A little like Everton under David Moyes, they have no clear objective this season. Ambitions have been drastically altered following last term’s achievements — just what are their actual aims?
The can’t expect to win it again, and a lack of drive has led to defensive complacency.
4. Bailly noticed
ERIC BAILLY has been Mourinho’s best signing.
All the focus has been on Pogba’s poor start and Ibrahimovic’s goals — but the Ivorian has been solid at the back and could become the latest world class central defender to don the United shirt.
Still has the odd rash moment, but he is just 22. He covered well whenever his side looked in trouble.
5. Dutch of class
IS DALEY BLIND the new David Beckham?
Rooney is United’s regular corner taker — without ever threatening the opposition’s penalty box — but the Dutchman stepped up and created two goals.