DBasia.news – Manchester United lacked strikers during their 1-1 draw with Leicester City in the Premier League. As a result, Ralf Rangnick’s squad lost their creativity and failed to win.
Playing at Old Trafford, Saturday (2/4/2022), MU fielded Bruno Fernandes as the sole striker, because Cristiano Ronaldo had the flu and Edinson Cavani was injured after playing for the Uruguay national team.
Fernandes is supported by Anthony Elanga and Jadon Sancho from the wings, as well as Paul Pogba as a playmaker. As a result, MU only had three shots during the first half, and none of them scored a goal.
Rangnick tried to make changes in the second half, but his options were limited. Mason Greenwood is still suspended, then Jesse Lingard is on the bench but his condition is not fit. Marcus Rashford remains, a player who has been in an uproar lately.
Even so, MU’s condition improved in the second half. Despite being left behind by Kelechi Iheanacho’s goal in the 63rd minute, they immediately equalized through Fred three minutes later.
Throughout the second half, there were eight shots that MU managed to release. They also managed to take control of the game, especially in the last 15 minutes. But apart from Fred’s goal, nothing else has been lodged in Kasper Schmeichel’s goal.
Rangnick admits he cannot freely formulate tactics because of the existing limitations. The variety of attacks was reduced, allowing Leicester to maintain a draw.
“The only thing we had was Marcus Rashford. We knew this morning Cristiano couldn’t play and decided to start with Paul Pogba. After 60 minutes we made changes and put a centre-forward on the pitch,” Rangnick told Sky Sports.
“It’s no secret that he (Rashford) has been losing his confidence lately. During training he looks fine, but the question is which of Paul and Marcus should start, we decided Paul.”
“In the last 15 minutes, we tried to score a (second) goal, but we couldn’t do it. We don’t have offensive type players anymore, even Jesse Lingard is sick,” explained Rangnick.
Fernandes has played as a centre-forward twice in the Premier League this season. First when defeated by Manchester City 1-4, then in the match against Leicester which ended in a 1-1 draw.