A Great Second-Half Display, Says Iheanacho

First Team
04 Apr 2022
2 Minutes
Leicester City's second-half improvement laid the foundations for a performance which possibly warranted more than a solitary point at Manchester United, says goalscorer Kelechi Iheanacho.

- Kelechi Iheanacho provides his verdict on Leicester City's 1-1 draw at Manchester United
- The Nigeria international's 63rd-minute header put the Foxes ahead at Old Trafford
- Fred equalised before James Maddison had a goal disallowed by VAR
- Iheanacho says the performance can give Leicester plenty of optimism

An even opening 45 minutes, which included moments of encouragement for the Foxes, ended goalless at Old Trafford, before Iheanacho headed the visitors in front on 63 minutes. Fred swiftly equalised for the Red Devils, but it was City who carved out the best opportunities in the latter moments.

Wesley Fofana, making his first Premier League start in 314 days after a fractured fibula injury, was denied a winner by a superb stop from David De Gea. James Maddison also had the ball in the net for Leicester, only for a VAR intervention to overrule the decision and set up a 1-1 draw in Manchester.

Following his eighth goal in all competitions during 2021/22, Iheanacho credited his team-mates for the improvements made in the second period. Although disappointed not to secure a first league double over Man Utd since the 1973/74 campaign, the Nigerian still believes a draw in an admirable result.

Brendan Rodgers' men are unbeaten in their last five games against the 20-time English champions.

"It was a good performance from us," City's No.14 told LCFC TV. "It wasn't that good in the first half, but we were okay building up from the back. In the second half, we were better, we moved the ball quickly and we got in good positions. We got the goal so it was a great performance [in the second half].

"Obviously, we dominated the game in the second half. We got them running and the chances kept coming. I think we were better in the second half. We wanted to win the game but it's not a bad one, getting a draw at Old Trafford, so we'll take that and get ready for the next games."

Leicester's goal was a testament to their industry on Saturday evening. After Youri Tielemans prevented Fred from launching a counter-attack for Ralf Rangnick's hosts, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall then slid in to take the ball away from Bruno Fernandes. Within seconds, City were ahead.

Maddison's delivery was perfect, as was Iheanacho's header into the bottom corner. Despite not being enough for three points, the 25-year-old was thrilled to toast that goal with 3,167 vociferous members of the Blue Army in the away end at the Theatre of Dreams.

"Dewsbury-Hall made a great tackle to win the ball and he gave it straight to Madders," he added. "I was just anticipating that he was going to whip it in and I was in the right place at the right time and I got my head onto it. [As a former Man City player], it's extra pleasing, I'm happy to get a goal against them.

"I'm now a Leicester City player so I'm happy and hopefully there's more to come. It's always good to celebrate with the fans. To celebrate with them is enjoyable so I'm happy."