Manchester United have secured a place in the Champions League at the
expense of Leicester City with victory at King Power Stadium.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side needed a point from this decisive final-day
meeting to confirm a place in the top four – and break the hearts of the
Foxes, who were in a Champions League spot for so much of the season.
Leicester needed victory once Chelsea took command at home to
Wolverhampton Wanderers but their dreams were dashed as Bruno Fernandes
scored a 71st-minute penalty after Anthony Martial tumbled under
challenge from Wes Morgan and Jonny Evans.
Both sides had their chances, with Leicester City keeper Kasper
Schmeichel saving well from Marcus Rashford in the first half and Jamie
Vardy seeing a header glance off the frame of the goal after the break.
Leicester pressed could not break Manchester United down and their
misery was compounded when Evans was sent off against his former club
for a wild, late lunge on Scott McTominay.
Manchester United confirmed the formalities seconds from time when
substitute Jesse Lingard robbed Schmeichel and rolled the ball into an
empty net.
It is a result that fulfills the usual minimum requirement of Champions
League qualification for Manchester United.
But while Leicester City’s fifth-placed finish is highly creditable and
earns a place in the Europa League, this will undoubtedly be a huge
disappointment and anti-climax after being in a position to reach the
Champions League for so long.
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