Three first-half goals saw Manchester United record a 3-1 victory over Leicester City at Old Trafford this afternoon.

Strikers Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao both found the net, while United's third of the half came courtesy of Leicester defender Wes Morgan.

After the restart, Marcin Wasilewski reduced the arrears, although it was no more than a consolation effort.

Below, Sports Mole looks back over the contest to determine if the result was a fair one, or whether the scoreline flattered the triumphant hosts.

Match statistics

MAN UNITED
Shots: 12
On target: 5
Possession: 71%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 8

LEICESTER
Shots: 4
On target: 1
Possession: 29%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 12

Was the result fair?

It's not often that a side will record a fortunate 3-1 victory and today is no different. Leicester set their stall out early, with a point their major target. However, as soon as Van Persie broke the deadlock, there was only ever going to be one winner. Three goals before the break made the second half a no-contest, yet the home side still dominated without adding to their tally, unlike Leicester, who earned themselves a late consolation.

Man United's performance

Louis van Gaal may say differently during his post-match interview, but his team do look much more comfortable in a 4-4-2 formation, rather than the 3-5-2 that he has used for large parts of the campaign.

It was the midfield diamond that was particularly crucial today. It afforded Angel di Maria much more space and, as a result, he went on many lengthy dribbles, while Adnan Januzaj also flourished with a bit more freedom. Of course, such players were given the the licence to roam thanks to performance of Daley Blind, who was a calming influence at the base of the defence.

Goals for Van Persie and Falcao will also have been pleasing for Van Gaal, with both showing good movement and even the signs of a partnership forming, largely during the first half. The late Leicester goal will be a source of annoyance, but there was no harm done to what was a largely dominant display from the Red Devils.

Leicester's performance

In previous away matches against the bigger sides, Leicester have often adopted a positive approach. The likes of Jamie Vardy would provide the pace and they would get good support up to Leonardo Ulloa, who operates often as a lone striker.

Today, though, that didn't happen. Ulloa was forced to feed on scraps and as United had four playing at the back instead of three, he barely got a touch. In the Argentine's defence, he was not helped by ineffective displays from the likes of Vardy and Andrej Kramaric, who were meant to be his support.

Yet, if Nigel Pearson can take any confidence from this, it will be how his side finished the game. The second-half introductions of David Nugent and Marc Albrighton gave Leicester fresh impetus and both caused the odd problem to the United rearguard. With that in mind, it would not be a surprise if Pearson includes the pair in his starting lineup next time out.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Adnan Januzaj: There were occasions when the 19-year-old's final pass let him down today, but he displayed a confidence that had been lacking in his game for most of the season. Every time that Januzaj received the ball, he was positive and either ran at his marker Danny Simpson, or tried to bring his other attacking teammates into play. Van Gaal insisted that the Belgian will not leave the club this winter and, on this evidence, you can see why.

Biggest gaffe

Making his Premier League debut for Leicester, veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer will not be happy with the role that he played in the home side's second goal. Di Maria's low shot was not exactly the most powerful, but the Aussie could only parry the ball into the path of Falcao, who was never going to miss from two yards out.

Referee performance

Neither of these two sides are renowned for being overly physical and so it proved to be a relatively straightforward match to officiate for Martin Atkinson. He never looked to be the star of the show like some of his colleagues do - highlighted by the fact that he only dished out one booking.

What next?

Man United: On Tuesday, United will be hoping to avoid a FA Cup upset when they play host to League Two side Cambridge United in a fourth-round replay. Following that, they travel to West Ham United in the Premier League on Sunday.

Leicester: The Foxes return to home comforts a week today when they welcome Alan Pardew's Crystal Palace to the King Power Stadium.