Manchester United recorded a third successive Premier League victory for the first time in 2022 with a 1-0 triumph over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Thursday evening.
Jadon Sancho netted his second goal in his last three matches to set up a deserved win for Erik ten Hag's troops, ensuring they registered a second consecutive 1-0 away triumph. The England international finished off an excellent move in the first half to secure another maximum haul of points.
United, who completed the signings of Martin Dubravka and Antony earlier in the day, were superb in the first half, producing their most complete showing under Ten Hag so far. They were crisp in their passing and their movement was outstanding.
READ MORE: United player ratings as key duo shine again in Leicester win
In the second half, however, United didn't have such a vibrant look about themselves. Although they never looked like conceding, they failed to impose themselves in the way that they did prior to the break.
Nevertheless, it was another encouraging performance, making it clear that the Reds are moving in the right direction under Ten Hag. On a night that saw United keep another away clean sheet, there might have been some moments that you may not have spotted. Here, MEN Sport has picked out four moments that you might have missed at the King Power Stadium.
Eriksen's early frustrations
Although Christian Eriksen is not the most advanced midfielder in United's midfield trio, there is an expectancy for him to get forward and provide support - and he did exactly that within the opening ten minutes in the Midlands. After starting a move that resulted in Marcus Rashford spreading the ball out to the left side of the penalty area, picking out Bruno Fernandes, Eriksen continued his run in the hope of regaining possession.
But his excellent run, which resulted in him being in a good amount of space on the penalty spot, was not spotted by Fernandes, who elected to try and pick out Sancho with a low cross instead. Eriksen was unimpressed by his teammate's decision, putting his arms out, questioning why Fernandes did not play the ball to him.
The Dane was in a good position to get a shot off and test goalkeeper Danny Ward. He was visibly frustrated with Fernandes and the Portuguese international appeared to suggest that he hadn't seen him.
Dalot's wild celebration
He might not have the match-winning goal, but he certainly celebrated it as though he had. After starting the move that resulted in Sancho giving the Reds the breakthrough, Diogo Dalot celebrated it like he had rounded Danny Ward himself to open his account for the campaign.
Stood on the halfway line as Sancho rolled the ball home to put United in front, the right-back raised both arms aloft and ran towards the bench, looking directly at Ten Hag, before sprinting down the flank to join Sancho and the rest of his teammates to celebrate. Dalot had every right to react how he did, as it was his excellent pass that freed Fernandes to set about creating the goal.
United fans still want Ronaldo
With no pre-deadline day move having materialised, Cristiano Ronaldo was included in the squad for the trip to Leicester, even if he was restricted to starting on the bench for the third game running. But after United had lost their feeling of dominance 15 minutes into the start of the second half, the travelling army of away fans started to demand a change in personnel with the entrance of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Just past the hour mark, renditions of 'Viva Ronaldo' began to surface from the away end, as the fans sent a clear message to Ten Hag: they wanted him on the pitch. Less than ten minutes later, the Reds boss answered their demands.
The former Real Madrid man stepped off the bench on 68 minutes and replaced Sancho. His introduction cranked the 'Viva Ronaldo' chants up another notch.
Dalot loves a tackle
He might have celebrated Sancho's goal like he had scored it himself, but he celebrated a second-half challenge like he had won the World Cup. As Harvey Barnes attempted to send over a cross from the left flank with 71 minutes on the clock, Dalot produced a superb tackle at the byline, so much so that it resulted in the ball deflecting off Barnes and going behind for a goal-kick.
Dalot got up, unleashed a massive roar, moved his arms around in celebration and then chest bumped Lisandro Martinez, highlighting just how much it meant to him. He then got a big high-five from fellow defender Raphael Varane.
READ NEXT:
