Leicester City 2-2 Manchester United: Vardy ends Red Devils´ away winning streak

Manchester United’s 10-game winning streak away from home in the Premier League came to an end as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Leicester City on Saturday. 

United looked like they would equal Chelsea and Manchester City’s record of 11 consecutive victories when Bruno Fernandes put them ahead 11 minutes from time after Harvey Barnes had earlier cancelled out Marcus Rashford’s opener. 

Jamie Vardy ensured a share of the spoils five minutes from time, though, turning home via a deflection off substitute Axel Tuanzebe, who was later credited with the own goal.

The result means United remain one point behind second-place Leicester and four behind leaders Liverpool, who play West Brom on Sunday.

Rashford was guilty of a glaring miss after just 71 seconds, inexplicably heading over from six yards following Fernandes’ lofted cross.

The England international made amends in the 23rd minute, though, coolly slotting home his 50th Premier League goal from 12 yards after Fernandes had diverted Daniel James’ pass into his path.

Leicester restored parity eight minutes later, Barnes lashing past De Gea from outside the penalty area after Fernandes had given possession away cheaply.

Kasper Schmeichel denied a clean-through Rashford shortly before the hour mark, while Anthony Martial saw an effort disallowed for offside as United looked most likely to score again after the restart.

They did forge ahead in the 79th minute, Fernandes sliding past Schmeichel after being played in by substitute Edinson Cavani, the Uruguyan’s fifth goal involvement off the bench this season – two more than any other player.

Vardy had the final say, however, bundling home via Tuanzebe after he had been picked out in the area by Ayoze Perez.

What does it mean? Spoils shared in low-quality affair

United will be disappointed to not have held on for maximum points, but a draw was probably a fair result given the marked lack of quality throughout.

Both sides are still well poised to challenge Liverpool at the summit, although Jurgen Klopp’s side can open a six-point advantage over the Foxes if they overcome the Baggies on Sunday.

Fernandes once again United’s main man

Fernandes gave possession away a whopping 24 times – the joint-highest tally of any player on the pitch – but the former Sporting CP man continues to make things happen in front of goal. He teed up Rashford’s opener and then put United ahead with his 10th Premier League goal of the season, becoming the first Portuguese to reach that total since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008-09.

James squanders rare chance

He was rewarded with a fifth Premier League start of the season following his goal against Leeds United last weekend, but James was dismal on the right side of United’s attack. He lost possession 13 times – the most of any United player at the time he was hauled off for Paul Pogba in the 54th minute – while he won just one of his 10 duels and failed to have a single shot.

What’s next?

United welcome Wolves to Old Trafford on Tuesday, while the Foxes have a quick turnaround for their trip to Crystal Palace on Monday.