[ad_1]
United could not hold out for their 11th consecutive Premier League away win, a record, as Vardy’s move edged out the visiting defense.
Manchester United’s Paul Pogba came off the bench in the second half. Image: ManU website.
UNITED KINGDOM – Manchester United lost a chance to get within two points of Premier League leaders Liverpool when Axel Tuanzebe’s own goal five minutes from time earned second-placed Leicester a 2-2 draw Saturday.
Slow starts had been a feature for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men on the road this season, having won all six of their previous league games despite conceding first.
However, this time it was the Red Devils who twice failed to hold the lead.
Harvey Barnes’ heavy strike canceled Marcus Rashford’s first goal before the break.
Bruno Fernandes thought he had scored another road win 11 minutes from time, but Jamie Vardy’s predatory instincts kept Leicester one point and one place above United in the table when his shot deflected from Tuanzebe.
Liverpool’s lead at the top is now three points and Jurgen Klopp’s men can move clearer when they host West Brom at Anfield on Sunday.
Solskjaer has been eager to put an end to his team’s slow starts and should have been celebrating within 90 seconds when Rashford headed a perfect cross from Fernandes with only Kasper Schmeichel to win.
The England international was not so forgiving of the Foxes when he was given a second chance midway through the first half when he swept the ball pushed by Fernandes into the bottom corner for his 13th goal of the season.
Leicester’s only threat before falling behind came from a failed punt by David De Gea from which Barnes was unable to pick a teammate in the middle.
However, Barnes dragged his team back into the game with a moment of brilliance, as his powerful shot from outside the box had too much power for De Gea in 31 minutes.
United remained the biggest threat, but lacked the killer instinct on the counter that has played a role when they have been successful this season.
Paul Pogba again had to settle for a bench spot, but the Frenchman made an instant impact when he was introduced just before time and helped United take control of midfield.
Solskjaer’s men were still more dangerous when they were given room to run behind as Fred fed Rashford, whose fierce shot was repelled by a brilliant save from Schmeichel.
Moments later, Rashford was the creator when Anthony Martial coldly stepped past the Danish giant in Leicester’s goal, but this time the offside flag, backed by a VAR review, denied United.
Edinson Cavani was also taken off the bench by Solskjaer in search of a winner in the final 15 minutes and the Uruguayan made a big impact by feeding Fernandes for the Portuguese to punch his 14th goal of the season.
But United couldn’t put up with an 11th straight away win in the Premier League as Vardy’s move overtook the visiting defense as he swung an Ayoze Pérez cross into goal and the ball bounced off the unfortunate Tuanzebe.
[ad_2]
