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Sancho ensures Manchester United must win every match since Casemiro's arrival

Manchester United reeled off their third successive Premier League win under new manager Erik ten Hag to ensure Leicester City's troubled start to the season continued at King Power Stadium.

Manchester United secured their third successive Premier League victory on Thursday, with Jadon Sancho's strike enough to down Leicester City.

Like their victory over Southampton, Erik ten Hag's side were anything but spectacular. Nevertheless, the efficient performance helped move them up to fifth in the table, while also giving them three straight wins in the competition for the first time since April 2021 - coinciding with the arrival of Casemiro at the club, even if he is yet to start.

Sancho's strike came after he took March Rashford's pass in stride, before rounding Leicester goalkeeper Danny Ward and firing home in the first half.

From there, United were able to play on the counter, as Brendan Rogers' side put in another toothless performance. In fact, boos rained down at the King Power Stadium as fans of the Foxes made their discontent vocal.

The result leaves Leicester bottom of the table, with just one point from their opening five matches. Unfortunately for them, it doesn't get any easier this weekend when they travel to take on fourth-placed Brighton.

As for United, they'll try to add to their recent upturn in form when they welcome league leaders Arsenal to Old Trafford on Sunday.

Jadon Sancho's smooth finish from Marcus Rashford's pass after 23 minutes maintained United's recent revival and allowed them to build on victories at home to Liverpool and away to Southampton.

United remained largely in control against an out of sorts Leicester, who remain bottom as they search for their first league win of the season and who, along with manager Brendan Rodgers, felt the impatience of the home fans.

Visiting keeper David de Gea was forced into a fine save from James Maddison's free-kick in the second half but otherwise United were rarely troubled, with Casemiro emerging as a substitute and Cristiano Ronaldo, another late replacement, coming close with an acrobatic bicycle kick.

Workmanlike Man Utd come through

Manchester United's performance was reminiscent of their victory at Southampton on Saturday - solid, unspectacular but highly efficient and enough to give them a third straight win in all competitions for the first time since April 2021, sending them up to fifth in the Premier League table.

Sancho was on the scoresheet again and his goal had the hallmarks of a player growing in confidence, taking Rashford's pass in his stride before rounding Leicester City keeper Danny Ward to score.

"I am sure this is just the start for him," Ten Hag said of former Bundesliga star Sancho, who scored his second goal in three league games.

"He has the capabilities. He did it in a different league but this is the Premier League. He has to adapt mentally and physically, but he has the skills."

After Sancho's strike, United were able to do a containing job on a toothless Leicester side lacking in confidence and urgency and occasionally suffering the discontent of the increasingly impatient Foxes fans.

United were happy to play on the counter and might have added another late on but there was always the feeling one goal was enough to claim the three points. And when there were moments of anxiety, the experienced £70m new boy Casemiro came on to steady the ship.

"It is another step forward so I am happy with that," United boss Ten Hag told BT Sport.

"We showed good team spirit. We had 11 players on the pitch who fought for each other and scored a lovely team goal. Still, there are improvements to make but that is normal at this stage of the season."

Ten Hag's United will be growing in self-belief and they can put that to the test against early pace-setters Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The Winners

Jadon Sancho:

Jadon Sancho's strike secured a third straight win for the Red Devils as Erik ten Hag's revolution continues to gather pace. The England international rounded Danny Ward in the first half to leave Leicester rock bottom and move Manchester United up to fifth ahead of Sunday's meeting with leaders Arsenal.

More than any point over the past year, they appear ready to challenge a top-tier Premier League opponent.

It was the first time Manchester United have won three consecutive games in the division since December 2021, which points to the improvement made under their new manager.

Another vital goal for the England winger and another glimpse of his potential.

Manchester United still haven't seen the best of him, but his composure when through on goal was an example of his game-changing qualities.

Ten Hag clearly likes him. Now the head coach needs to ensure Manchester United team make the most of the forward's qualities by getting him more involved in the action.

Scott McTominay:

Ten Hag spent the summer desperately looking to strengthen his midfield - but McTominay has thrust himself into his manager's plans, even after the arrival of Casemiro.

This was another performance in which he showed energy and commitment that typified United's best moments.

Diogo Dalot:

The window has closed without the addition of a right-back, which leaves Dalot the chance to make the role his own.

He has impressed so far this season - and this was another occasion when he burst forward with menace, but also diligently stuck to his task at the back.

It will be fascinating to see how he improves under Ten Hag.

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Sancho ensures Manchester United must win every match since Casemiro's arrival

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