Our 3️⃣ points as Leicester strengthen top four hopes at Old Trafford | OneFootball

The headline news might have been Manchester City being crowned champions, but it was a huge three points for Leicester City as well.

Here’s what we made of the action from Old Trafford …

Collapse? What collapse?

After a poor run of form saw Leicester slip out of the top four with a defeat to Manchester United on the final day of last season, it looked like history was in danger of repeating itself.

But it’s apt that this victory over United means the Foxes now need just two points from their final two games to mathematically guarantee Champions League football next season. It’s not done yet, but Brendan Rodgers has earned himself a good night’s sleep.

Even finishing fifth last season was a solid achievement considering the financial might Leicester are up against at the top end of the table, and finishing top four means Rodgers should be in the conversation for Manager of the Year.

Another capitulation would have prompted valid questions about his managerial ability, but another strong campaign combined with a great FA Cup run will put those questions to bed for a long time.

Ole’s at the wheel

And so United’s faint hopes of pulling off an incredible turnaround and snatching the title from rivals City have been extinguished tonight.

But never mind, because finishing a not-too-distant second and potentially winning the Europa League has to be considered a huge step in the right direction.

After the poor start they made to the season, many were calling for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s head and few would have backed United to finish above the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham before the campaign began.

The Norwegian has proved critics wrong this term though and with some good transfer business in the summer, they will go again next season.

Next season will come with greater pressure and greater expectation though. That’s the challenge of being a top team, and it’s a challenge Solskjaer must rise to if he is to cement his status as a United legend even more.

The production line continues

Manchester United have a remarkable record when it comes to producing young talent, and the conveyor belt is showing no signs of slowing down.

Mason Greenwood bagged a superb goal to make it six in his last six Premier League games, while 19-year-old Anthony Elanga also give a good account of himself on his Premier League debut.

Fellow debutant Amad Diallo is not an academy graduate, of course, but he looks like a very talented prospect who will hopefully prove he was well worth the money they paid for him in time.

And let’s not forget it was also a great night for Leicester youngster Luke Thomas, who netted his first Premier League goal with a stunning volley into the top corner.

It’s always a joy to see young players living the dream, and the Premier League continues to be a hotbed of exciting talent.