Leicester vs. Manchester United: Score, Grades and Reaction from EPL Game

Manchester United’s defensive shortcomings were evident once again as they surrendered a two-goal lead before being beaten 5-3 at Leicester City on Sunday.

Some sizzling attacking play from United yielded goals from Robin van Persie, Angel Di Maria and Ander Herrera. But the Red Devils were woeful at the back and goals from Leonardo Ulloa (2), David Nugent, Esteban Cambiasso and Jamie Vardy stunned the Manchester giants.

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Only Diego Costa has scored more Premier League goals (7) this season than Leonardo Ulloa (4). pic.twitter.com/j7OBi8iFBr

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 21, 2014"

Leicester made a bright start, with Cambiasso showing his game awareness by playing a quick free-kick into the path of Nugent, whose cross into the box was scrambled to safety by the United defence.

A better chance fell Leicester’s way on seven minutes. Again, a swift break opened up United, but Ulloa’s first touch was poor and the chance went begging.

The first sight of United as an attacking force came on 11 minutes, with Di Maria playing a glorious pass into the path of Van Persie, but Kasper Schmeichel dashed off his line to narrow the angle and make the save.

The effort proved to be a sighter for Van Persie, who opened his account for the season on 13 minutes.

It was a goal that owed much to his strike partner, Radamel Falcao, who made a mug of Ritchie De Laet with a brilliant dummy on the left flank before clipping a glorious cross that Van Persie nodded home, albeit with the aid of a deflection.

United’s lead was doubled on 16 minutes, with Di Maria showing exactly why the Red Devils shelled out £60 million to sign the Argentinian from Real Madrid.

The winger collected possession in his own half before bursting forward and exchanging passes with Wayne Rooney. As he advanced into the area, the ball got stuck under Di Maria's body, but he somehow scooped the ball up and over Schmeichel and into the net.

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PIC: Angel Di Maria celebrates his sumptuous goal at Leicester. Have you seen a better strike this season? #MUFClive pic.twitter.com/gbgi57RT6M

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 21, 2014"

It was a truly delightful goal, but United were not celebrating for long, as Leicester found a reply within 60 seconds.

Vardy escaped down the right and dug out a cross from the byline that Ulloa headed superbly into the corner of the net.

United went from sizzling up front to inept at the back, which was the fear following their summer spending spree on top-class attacking talent.

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United frightening going forward but still vulnerable at the back. Too easy for Ulloa to run off Rafael for his goal.

— Rob Dawson (@RobDawsonMEN) September 21, 2014"

The width of a crossbar denied Falcao a first United goal on 49 minutes, as the Colombian controlled a ball on his thigh before firing a volley over Schmeichel and against the woodwork.

United were not to be denied, though. On 57 minutes, a scuffed shot from Di Maria was cleverly backheeled beyond the diving Schmeichel by Herrera.

Van Gaal thrust his arm in the air in celebration at Herrera's goal, but he was soon slumped back in his seat as Leicester scored twice in he space of three minutes to draw level.

Clive Rose/Getty Images

The Foxes were controversially awarded a penalty on 62 minutes, with Rafael deemed to have fouled Vardy—even though the Leicester man's challenge on the Brazilian seconds earlier looked less than legal.

Nugent made no mistake from the spot, and two minutes later, Cambiasso slammed a loose ball beyond David de Gea to bring the King Power Stadium to its feet.

As bad as United were at the back for Leicester's first three goals, it got far worse.

De Laet won possession deep in his own half, and United were short on numbers. The Belgian kept his cool to pick out Vardy, who stroked the ball beyond De Gea.

The Leicester fans chanted “we want five,” and they were given their wish on 84 minutes. Vardy beat Tyler Blackett to the ball, and in attempting to recover, the young defender committed a foul in the box that earned him a red card.

With Nugent off the field, Ulloa took on the penalty duties and hammered the ball beyond De Gea to cap a brilliant comeback and thrilling win.

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This is the first time that Man Utd have conceded 5+ goals in the Premier League in 43 games - SAF's last game vs WBA pic.twitter.com/C3Y63CLVE6

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 21, 2014"

With no European football or Capital One Cup football to contend with, United can put all their eggs in the Premier League basket.

But for as good as they look going forward, they are woeful at the back. Talk of getting into the Champions League places looks a long way off at present. And on this evidence, the January window cannot come soon enough so Van Gaal can boost his defence.

Grades

Robin van Persie: B-

The Dutchman is still striving to find his best form following his late return to the squad after the World Cup. He wasted one chance but gobbled up another and looks to be heading toward where he wants to be.

Angel Di Maria: A

Simply sensational. The Argentinian’s drive when on the ball was a joy to watch, as was his clever distribution and quite brilliant finish. United have a gem on their hands.

Radamel Falcao: B-

On his full debut, the Colombian showed what a fine addition he will be. Goals are his main asset, but the way he delivered a glorious cross for Van Persie proved there is so much more to his game than being a fox in the box.

Esteban Cambiasso: A

The Foxes have an organ grinder supreme in Cambiasso. Never again will the midfielder scale the heights that brought him Champions League, Serie A and La Liga titles, but if he can remain fit and focused then the Foxes have a player who can keep them in the fight to stay in the league.

Jamie Vardy: A

Worked his socks off up and down the pitch, summing up the Foxes' performance.

Post-Match Reaction

Van Gaal was at a loss to explain how his side had capitulated.

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Louis van Gaal shocked following Leicester defeat: "We had complete control. How is it possible that you give this game away?" #mufc

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 21, 2014"

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More from van Gaal: "You never expect that when you're 3-1 ahead. You have to kill the game and keep possession. We couldn't do that." #mufc

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 21, 2014"