Manchester United had VAR to thank for a 1-1 draw as Leicester were denied a 2-1 Premier League win at Old Trafford after two quickfire goals.
Neither side produced any moments to shout about in the first half, with the end product from both sides poor. In the second half, though, the game came to life after Kelechi Iheanacho put the visitors ahead.
Fred responded for United just three minutes later and both sides subsequently sought a winner.
James Maddison finally got Leicester past David de Gea after some impressive saves from the Spanish stopper, until VAR intervened.
Leicester were consequently denied a league double over Man Utd, whose quest for a top-four finish suffered a further blow. Indeed, they lacked direction and attacking impetus before Iheanacho’s goal and had to go behind to get into the game.
Even then, their end product was poor, including when Marcus Rashford fumed at Anthony Elanga for getting in the way of a shot right at the end. Ralf Rangnick’s side remain sixth and level on points with Tottenham, who play on Sunday. Arsenal’s lead over United has been cut to three points, but they can also move further ahead by beating Crystal Palace on Monday.
There were a total of nine goal attempts in the first half, but a real lack of quality from everyone involved.
Harvey Barnes headed over from Maddison’s early free-kick and that chance sprung the attacker to life – but failed to inspire any of his team-mates.
Indeed, Barnes then dragged two shots wide in quick succession, but Leicester showed a lack of verve to go and really test United.
Up the other end, there was also a distinct lack of end product from Man Utd. Bruno Fernandes’ over-hit free-kick missed everyone and the Portugal midfielder could not finish when through on goal himself.
Fred capitalised on a poor Wesley Fofana pass out from the back and quickly fed Fernandes. However, the midfielder’s shot was tame and Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel made a routine save.
Barnes and Iheanacho had further half-chances to score for the visitors before the break.
But, Jadon Sancho failing to control a Diogo Dalot pass and the ball heading out of play summed the first half up.
Sancho and Iheanacho had half-chances early in the second half as both sides got going again.
Leicester strike first, Man Utd respond
However, it was Leicester who struck the decisive first blow. United thought they were away from a Foxes corner, before Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall came up with a fantastic sliding tackle.
Leicester were suddenly back on the transition the other way. Dewsbury-Hall fed Maddison, whose excellent whipped cross was met by the diving Iheanacho ahead of Raphael Varane and Alex Telles.
But just three minutes later, Man Utd were back on level terms. Fred brought a hooked Varane clearance down well and fed it to Fernandes.
The midfielder’s shot forced Schmeichel to parry out and Fred followed the rebound in.
Leicester win denied by VAR
The two quickfire goals sprung the crowd and the game to life. Iheanacho could have made it 2-1, but his chipped effort went over David de Gea’s goal.
And while he didn’t have to save that effort, De Gea did excellently to get across and tip Fofana’s header wide from a free-kick.
Leicester did get past De Gea through Maddison. However, VAR found a foul by Iheanacho on Varane in the build-up and referee Andre Marriner confirmed the decision at the monitor.
Both sides continued to push for a winner. However, Sancho and United substitute Rashford made a mess of a late chance.
Leicester have taken four points from United this season and will see it as a good point away from home. Their focus now returns to the Europa Conference League against PSV Eindhoven on Thursday.
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