Manchester United are on the brink of missing out of securing Champions League football for next season after dropping two more points in their recent Premier League outing. The Red Devils came from behind to pick up a 1-1 draw against Leicester City, and by so doing, failed to keep the pressure on fourth-placed Arsenal.
In the absence of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani, the Old Trafford outfit barely threatened in front of goal, with the visitors finishing as the better side by a mile. After a drab first 45 minutes in which none of the sides failed to break the deadlock, United's lack of creativity and urgency in attack was punished in the 63rd minute.
The big moment came after Kelechi Iheanacho headed home James Maddison's superb cross following an electric counter attacking move. However, the lead did not last as United will level the scoreline just four minutes later through Fred. The Brazilian buried home a rebound after Kasper Schmeichel had parried Bruno Fernandes' goal-bound attempt into his path.
FRED SAVES THE DAY
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 2, 2022
Three minutes after falling behind, Man Utd are level! pic.twitter.com/S30kJ5sO40
Inspired by the equalizer, the Red Devils pushed for the decider but almost paid the hefty price before the intervention of the Video Assistant Referee. James Maddison looked to have stolen the win for the Manchester club but his strike was chalked off after it emerged that Iheanacho fouled Raphael Varane in the build-up to the goal.
JAMES MADDISON RESTORES LEICESTER'S LEAD OVER MAN UTD pic.twitter.com/x1tTA4ysOb
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 2, 2022
With the result, Manchester United remain in sixth, four points behind fourth-placed Arsenal who have played two games less. On the contrary, Leicester climbed up to ninth, and still remain in the run-in for a European football place next season.