Fred earns sluggish Man United a draw with Leicester

Manchester United delivered a lacklustre performance in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo but Fred rescued a point in a 1-1 draw against Leicester at Old Trafford.

United lacked a cutting edge without Ronaldo, who missed out because of illness, and they fell behind just after the hour mark when Kelechi Iheanacho bent down to head beyond goalkeeper David de Gea.

The hosts levelled within three minutes of going behind as Fred slotted in after Kasper Schmeichel had saved Bruno Fernandes' low effort but it was Leicester who appeared likeliest to score again.

De Gea magnificently sprang to his right to keep out Wesley Fofana's header while Leicester rued the video assistant referee as the lively James Maddison's goal was chalked off for a foul in the build-up.

Substitute Marcus Rashford, who curiously did not start despite Ronaldo being out, had claims for a penalty waved away on an afternoon where Harry Maguire's every involvement was booed by Leicester fans.

The former Foxes defender was given a frosty reception on England duty earlier in the week - which was branded an "absolute joke" by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate - but had a quiet time as United remain sixth in the Premier League, three points adrift of fourth-placed Arsenal, who have two games in hand.

The unavailability of Ronaldo and the injured Edinson Cavani left United without a recognised centre forward so Fernandes, who signed a new contract earlier this week, and the returning Paul Pogba dovetailed higher up the pitch to little effect early on.

Leicester were the slicker of the two teams with inventive link-up play but while Harvey Barnes caught out Diogo Dalot on occasion, both the winger and Iheanacho were wasteful with their finishing.

Fernandes was presented