But 20-time champion United quickly deflated the traveling Leicester fans’ mood with a goal inside 10 minutes. A Jesse Lingard effort following Martial’s opener forced Kasper Schmeichel into a strong save at his near post to keep the score at 1-0.
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Leicester City’s coronation as Premier League champions was put on ice after the Foxes were held to a 1-1 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford, but with the league title still nearly all but certain, fans remained in a positive mood as they poured out of the “Theatre of Dreams”.
If referee Michael Oliver failed to see the incident, Fellaini potentially faces a retrospective ban. Leicester were relieved no penalty was given, with a free-kick awarded just outside, but the red card made for anxious times in the closing minutes.
The hosts achieved a season-high 70% possession in the game and limited Leicester to chances from set pieces.
Dennis Mistry, 46, paid tribute to the manager Claudio Ranieri for guiding the Foxes to within grasping distance of a league title.
“We were really on the front foot for that first half an hour”. They’re a very physical side especially when they bring forward the likes of Huth, Morgan and Ulloa.
“‘Stay calm, ‘ I tell the players”. Apart from their goal, Leicester didn’t create too many chances and I’d like to think that if we start like we did more often, then we’ll pick up more points.
The midfielder was shown a second yellow card in the 86th minute at Old Trafford for pulling back Memphis Depay just outside the area.
Leicester fans sang “we’re going to win the league” while United supporters mainly kept their heads down.
Leicester City is small fry in the legendary Premier League, which boasts the distinction of being the richest and most-watched soccer league in the world.
A point means Tottenham must beat Chelsea tomorrow night (8pm) at Stamford Bridge, but Morgan is still prepared to wait a little longer until they can truly celebrate glory.
But Ranieri won’t be watching.
“I think we played one of our best matches of the season, but it was not enough”, United manager Louis van Gaal said.
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The result left United four points off the Champions League berths, but with fourth-place Manchester City, on whom United have a game in hand, losing 4-2 at Southampton on Sunday ahead of their home game with third-place Arsenal this weekend, hope is not yet lost.
