5 things we learnt from Manchester United vs Leicester City

2) Zlatan revels in deeper role

Zlatan Ibrahimovich was signed in the summer to provide United with an all-weather number 9, who would ensure a steady supply of goals before Marcus Rashford came of age. He obliged with the same, with 5 goals in his first 4 competitive appearances.

However, Mourinho seems to have found another way to optimize Zlatan’s talents. Today’s match against Leicester saw Zlatan take up a deeper role and attempt to influence play from the deep.

This was prompted due to Rooney’s exclusion from the starting XI. Alternatively, Mourinho’s intention to use Ibra in a deeper role could have led to Rooney being dropped. Either way, United looked far less sluggish with Zlatan influencing play.

There were several instances of Pogba bombing forward and wreaking havoc in opposition territory. Also, Rashford and Lingard were seen occupying central areas.

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Sitam Chaki