LEICESTER SHAKEN INTO LIFE
IT IS not the first time a man called Shakespeare has had a way with words but a few choice ones certainly worked for the Leicester City manager last night. Craig Shakespeare took his strolling players to task at the break and saw them storm to victory in the second half. It ended with a Premier League shadow squad dismantling one from the Championship after both managers made eight changes. No great shock there or shame on Sheffield United, who competed well with a team costing much more than theirs. The gulf in class showed, although it took some prodding from the visiting manager. Shakespeare said: ‘I wanted more ruthlessness. To then score four is very pleasing. ‘The fringe players have responded in the right way. I place big importance on the collective spirit of the squad.’ Demarai Gray made a solo run for Leicester’s opener before Islam Slimani struck twice in four minutes, rounding the keeper for the first and then sliding in at the far post. Caolan Lavery fired one back for the home side but the impressive Ahmed Musa sealed Leicester’s convincing triumph. Shakespeare said defender Harry Maguire was taken off as a precaution near the end after being clattered early on by Daniel Lafferty. Sheffield United had the consolation of England Under 20 star David Brooks being arguably the best player on the pitch. But manager Chris Wilder bemoaned ‘naive mistakes’ for the goals.