Let's be honest: this opening match of the new Premier League 2 competition was one that United should really have lost. Leicester had easily the best of the possession and the Reds were largely restricted to attempts to score on the break. Ultimately, however, this tactic proved fruitful as Demi Mitchell secured the three points three minutes from time.
With three former United players in their side - De Laet, Lawrence and James - Leicester were by far the more experienced side and their dominance was evident from the first minute.
That they didn't manage a breakthrough was due largely to the excellence of United's defence. Axel Tuanzebe was once again imperious at the back and had an able partner in Regan Poole, who managed to get his body in the way of two threatening first half efforts from the away side to keep the scores level.
When called upon, keeper Sam Johnstone also played his part in keeping the Foxes at bay, saving well from Muskwe in the early stages before making vital interventions to thwart Kairo Mitchell and Kaputska late in the game.
By then, United were beginning to carry more of a threat on the break, and Demi Mitchell's pace following his arrival off the bench always looked a potent weapon. Twice he'd almost broken away only for a poor first touch to let him down. There was nothing wrong with it in the 87th minute, however, when he found himself set free by a long Johnstone clearance and, seeing Leicester keeper Iversen off his line, scored with the most audacious of lobs.
Leicester will understandably be disappointed to come away without at least a point from a game they dominated for long periods. United showed much of the defiant spirit that saw them to the Under-21 title last season, although it's unlikely the performance levels reached in this game will be enough to bring the inaugural Premier League 2 trophy to Old Trafford.
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