On August 7, 2016, Leicester City faced Manchester United in the FA Community Shield at Wembley Stadium. Manchester United secured a 2-1 victory, with Zlatan Ibrahimović scoring the decisive goal in his competitive debut for the club.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Leicester City: 1 (Jamie Vardy 52′)
- Manchester United: 2 (Jesse Lingard 32′, Zlatan Ibrahimović 83′)
- Possession:
- Manchester United controlled 54% of the possession, while Leicester City had 46%. United’s ability to control the ball, particularly in midfield, allowed them to dictate much of the game and create more scoring opportunities.
- Shots:
- Manchester United registered 14 shots, with 4 on target, showcasing their intent to test Leicester’s defense. Leicester City had 10 shots, with 2 on target, reflecting their counter-attacking approach but limited success in breaking down United’s defense.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Manchester United displayed a passing accuracy of 82%, completing 415 passes out of 508 attempts. Leicester City had a passing accuracy of 74%, completing 303 passes out of 409 attempts. United’s superior passing helped them maintain control, while Leicester relied more on quick transitions and direct play.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Leicester City made 22 tackles compared to Manchester United’s 18, highlighting their effort to disrupt United’s play and regain possession. Both teams committed 12 fouls, indicating the physical nature of the match, typical of a competitive fixture.
- Set Pieces:
- Manchester United’s opening goal came from open play, with Jesse Lingard dribbling through Leicester’s defense before finishing calmly. Zlatan Ibrahimović’s winning goal was a header from an Antonio Valencia cross, demonstrating United’s effectiveness from wide areas. Leicester’s goal came from a high press, as Jamie Vardy capitalized on a defensive error by Marouane Fellaini to equalize.
- Individual Performances:
- Zlatan Ibrahimović made a significant impact in his competitive debut for Manchester United, scoring the winning goal with a powerful header. Jesse Lingard was also instrumental, scoring the opener with a brilliant solo effort. For Leicester City, Jamie Vardy was the standout player, scoring their only goal and constantly pressing United’s defense.
- Tactical Overview:
- Manchester United employed a 4-2-3-1 formation under new manager José Mourinho, focusing on controlling the midfield and utilizing the attacking talents of Ibrahimović and Wayne Rooney. Leicester City used a 4-4-2 formation, sticking to their tried-and-true counter-attacking strategy that brought them success in the previous Premier League season. United’s tactical discipline and quality in key moments proved decisive.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw three yellow cards, one for Manchester United (Marouane Fellaini 41′) and two for Leicester City (Danny Drinkwater 29′, Robert Huth 60′). The fouls were tactical, aimed at stopping opposition attacks and breaking up play.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Manchester United won 5 corners compared to Leicester City’s 4, reflecting their ability to create sustained pressure. Both teams were caught offside twice, indicating their willingness to push the defensive lines and search for scoring opportunities.
Summary
Manchester United’s 2-1 victory over Leicester City in the 2016 FA Community Shield was a strong start to José Mourinho’s tenure as manager and a successful debut for Zlatan Ibrahimović. United took the lead through Jesse Lingard’s excellent solo effort, but Leicester equalized early in the second half through Jamie Vardy. However, Ibrahimović’s late header secured the win for United, giving them their first trophy of the season. The match highlighted United’s potential under Mourinho, combining solid defense with the attacking prowess of new signings. For Leicester, the game was a reminder of the challenges they would face in defending their Premier League title, but it also showed their resilience and ability to compete against top teams. The Community Shield win gave United a confidence boost as they headed into the new Premier League season, setting the tone for a campaign of renewed ambition.
