Marcus Rashford marked his 100th Premier League appearance with the only goal as Manchester United saw off Leicester City 1-0 on Sunday.
The England striker finished clinically from Paul Pogba’s pass to earn United an eighth win in nine league games under caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Their winning run had been halted by Burnley on Tuesday, when the Red Devils fought back from 2-0 down to claim a dramatic 2-2 draw, but the three points rarely looked in much doubt after Rashford’s 10th top-flight goal of the season.
Rashford somehow headed over from barely two yards out within the first five minutes, but he soon made amends, controlling Pogba’s lofted pass expertly and drilling beyond Kasper Schmeichel.
United eased off after taking the lead and invited some Leicester pressure, although a wayward header from Jonny Evans and a dipping Pereira strike were the best openings they could muster before the break.
David de Gea was given a tougher test on the hour mark, reacting well to stop Jamie Vardy’s half-volley from crossing the line after he spilled the initial attempt, and Solskjaer promptly introduced Anthony Martial for the ineffective Alexis Sanchez in a bid to spark some life into his side.
De Gea was called on again to keep out Rachid Ghezzal’s dipping free kick, while Evans swiped at thin air after being teed up by Harry Maguire, but United held firm for a 17th victory in their last 21 meetings with the Foxes in all competitions.
What does it mean? United back to within two points of Chelsea
Solskjaer’s side were compelled to respond when Chelsea dispatched Huddersfield Town 5-0 on Saturday, and beating Leicester means they are back to within two points of Maurizio Sarri’s side, who sit fourth.
With Arsenal a point further back and facing champions Manchester City later on Sunday, this could prove an important result for United in their quest for a top-four finish.
Leicester, who held leaders Liverpool to a 1-1 draw at Anfield last time out, are 11th in the standings, six points adrift of the top seven.
Solid Shaw on song
Not many United players stood out particularly, but Shaw was a significant obstacle to Leicester down their right wing. He defended stoutly, used the ball efficiently and made one excellent block against James Maddison.
Sanchez struggles again
Sanchez worked hard down the left and made quite a few decent runs, but these went mostly unseen by his teammates. He cut a frustrated figure when Solskjaer took him off for Martial 67 minutes in.
What’s next?
United head to Fulham next Saturday, while Leicester’s tough run continues with a trip to Wembley to face Tottenham a day later.
