With Ronaldo ruled out due to illness, the hosts paid for a sluggish performance to allow Leicester to seize the lead after 63 minutes through Kelechi Iheanacho. And although Fred equalized quickly, the draw left Ralf Rangnick’s three points behind Champions League main rivals Arsenal, who have played two games less. Manchester United were disappointed with Leicester City as they drew 1-1 at Old Trafford on Saturday night. It was the sixth game in the Premier League that Ronaldo has not started since returning to Old Trafford – and United have not won any of them yet. Despite all the rumors that the 37-year-old has had his best, they lacked a key point in the attack without him. The experiment of using Bruno Fernandes as a fake nine did not work with Rangnik being forced to bring Marcus Rasford off the bench to try to give United some momentum. Leicester had won their previous three meetings against United, so Rangnik knew it would not be an easy game, especially as the injury crisis in the Fox defenders subsides. The presence of United captain Harry Maguire also offered side entertainment against his former team. Leicester fans chanted insults at their ex – who was also criticized by English fans in the middle of the week – while the Stratford End faithfully shouted his name in response. There was not much else to get excited about in a boring first half that showed how far United have fallen since their heyday. The little football on offer came from Leicester. Harvey Barnes should have done better with a few attempts after a quick pass that upset the United defense. Coach Brendan Rodgers was visibly upset when Iheanacho had time and space to make a shot from 18 yards out, but he bent over to end it out. United offered even less. Youngsters Anthony Elanga and Jadon Sancho looked like they needed guidance. Fernandes must be paid with the word the time he devotes to whistling. Paul Pogba is set to leave in the summer, so it is no surprise that he did not perform as if he had a huge share in the future of the club. The game was revived early in the second half when Scott McTominay caught a bad touch and grabbed Maddison high as he ran to make amends. Both sets of players were square with each other with Leicester feeling sorry for the yellow card he showed to the Scottish international. Rangnick saw the signs and withdrew McTominay shortly afterwards, sending Rashford in his place after 56 minutes. However, before the Englishman had the right opportunity, Leicester broke the deadlock. It was a remarkable game pass. United had threatened to get away from Leicester’s corner until Kieran Dusbury-Hall made a terrible tackle to stop Fernandes. Instead of admiring his work, the youngster of Leicester immediately played a ball to Madison, whose delivery to his left foot was beautifully carried away by the United goalkeeper, David de Gea, to Iheanacho. The Fox striker – who did not have any decent contact all night – made an experienced conversion with a head down. United desperately needed a quick response and got one after 66 minutes. Schmeichel’s dismissal failed to reach the middle of the line and Fred ran to the edge of United’s goal, where Fernandes had a shot from 18 yards. The Leicester goalkeeper dived to face it, but Fred continued his run and emphatically threw the rebound into the net of the net. A once-cautious encounter erupted suddenly in life. Iheanacho ran onto De Gea, but it looked like he’d rather run it off. De Gea then turned to his right to block a Fofana header from another excellent Madison delivery. With Old Trafford rocking, the old United would have taken full advantage and roared in a comeback victory. But these days they seem more vulnerable. After 80 minutes, Leicester thought they had regained the lead with Madison’s sweeping finish until the VAR ruled that Iheanacho had kicked Varane’s knee in the rally. Rogers kept his head in his hands sideways, but the controversial decision favored the hosts, almost the only good news for United. There was a slow home pressure that persuaded Rodgers to make changes to injury time, while Hamza Choudhury and Patson Daka were called into action. United had one last chance, but Rasford missed his kick in the big area and Sancho missed his goal on the far post. It summarizes United’s current form and why they need to identify a coach for the long term as soon as possible instead of getting involved with a lot of candidates. Rogers topped the list once before Leicester’s form declined. With only one defeat in five now, he can look to better times. You are not so sure about United. ENJOY ALL THE ACTION FROM OLD TRAFFORD WITH THE SPORTSMAIL’S LIVE RUNNER BELOW
