10th August, 2018
Manchester United captain Paul Pogba scored the opening goal as the Red Devils beat Leicester 2-1 in the first game of the Premier League season.
BBC reports that United had a frustrating summer, unable to sign any centre-backs and with Jose Mourinho looking increasingly irritated.
But that did not hinder them too much at Old Trafford as they made a flying start on Friday night, winning a penalty in the second minute when Daniel Amartey handled Alexis Sanchez’s deflected shot.
France midfielder Pogba stepped up and after a slow run-up placed the ball in the top-right corner above Kasper Schmeichel. The World Cup winner had not even expected to start, having only returned to training on Monday.
Left-back Luke Shaw then scored the first senior goal of his career after controlling Juan Mata’s aerial pass to double their lead.
Substitute Jamie Vardy scored a late consolation after Ricardo Perreira’s cross had hit a post, and Foxes goalkeeper Schmeichel came forward for an injury time corner but his header went wide.
The Foxes had edged the first half following their early setback with debutants James Maddison and Ricardo both forcing saves from David de Gea.
The second period was a slightly tamer affair before the late goals, although United substitute Romelu Lukaku was denied a goal by a good Schmeichel save.
It is the third year in a row Leicester have conceded the opening goal of the season – having lost to Hull and Arsenal in the first games of the previous two campaigns.