text: Robin van Persie and Jonny Evans both enjoyed gentle re-introductions into the game as Manchester United’s Under 21 side drew 1-1 at Leicester, although Rafael and Adnan Januzaj both limped off. Dutch forward Van Persie has been out of action since February with an ankle injury after leaving Swansea on crutches. But he was up and running again in the East Midlands, helping set up United’s goal for Sean Goss although his overall performance was rusty to say the least and he was replaced just after the hour. Defender Evans has been out for six games due to suspension following his spitting incident with Papiss Cisse at Newcastle back in March. Manchester United goalscorer Sean Goss (centre left) is congratulated by James Wilson (left) and Robin van Persie (centre right) Goss levelled the scoreline in the 32nd minute by wriggling past Leicester's defence before scoring past the helpless Adam Smith . Harry Panayiotou put his side in the lead after 18 minutes after getting on the end of a cross by Leicester playmaker Anthony Knockaert . Leicester forward Panayiotou runs off in celebration after finding a way past Manchester United reserve goalkeeper Joel Castro Pereira . Manchester United right back Rafael had to be taken off in the 44th minute after sustaining a rib injury during the reserve match . LEICESTER CITY (4-5-1): Smith; Sesay, Davis, Moore Chilwell; Knockaert, McCourt, Barmby (Rowley 75), Hammond (Stankevicius 68), Dodoo; Panayiotou . Subs not used: O'Hara, Fletcher . Goal: Goss 32 . MANCHESTER UNITED (4-5-1): J Pereira; Rafael (Grimshaw 44), Evans, Blackett, Kellett; Wilson, Thorpe, Love, Goss, Januzaj (Harrop 54); Van Persie (Weir 62) Subs not used: Miles, Maddison, Scott . Goal: Panayiotou 18 . Referee: Simon Barrow . And despite his frustrating absence, Evans looked solid enough in a 90 minute appearance where he went close from a set piece before the break. However he will feel he should have denied Harry Panayiotou the opener for Leicester. Van Persie and Evans along with Rafael and Tyler Blackett were all in the United side that lost 5-3 to Leicester at the King Power Stadium back in September and keen to banish the memories of one of their lowest points of the season. United could have taken an early lead with James Wilson seeing a shot deflect wide from Andy Kellet’s cross. However it was Leicester who took the lead in the 19th minute, Anthony Knockaert’s tricks out wide enabled him to cross for Panayiotou, the highly-rated St Kitts and Nevis international, who powered home. It would be harsh to blame Evans for the goal but Panayiotou was his man and he will feel he should have done better. In response United went close through Januzaj who shot wide from distance while Joel Pereira had to do well to push Leicester midfielder Jak McCourt’s effort around the post. The visitors started to press with Adam Smith’s save keeping out a Wilson effort. Van Persie, who was an unused sub at Chelsea on Saturday, had been virtually anonymous in the opening half an hour with few touches of the ball. But he played his part in the leveller laying the ball off for Sean Goss who burst through the Leicester defence and finished well on 32 minutes. Louis van Gaal was hit by another injury when Rafael was forced off just before the break with an apparent rib injury after an aerial collision with Knockaert. Rafael looks in pain as Leicester's Knockaert checks on the Brazilian defender during the first half of the draw at the King Power Stadium . Rafael had to be replaced by Liam Grimshaw shortly before the half-time interval despite managing to get back onto his feet . Manchester United winger Adnan Januzaj was also taken off with an injury during the reserve encounter at Leicester's King Power Stadium . Van Persie finally got his opportunity in first half stoppage time but his effort from outside the area was well saved by Smith. And from the resulting Januzaj corner, Smith made an even better stop to push Evans’ header over the bar. Rafael’s replacement Liam Grimshaw saw a shot deflect wide at the start of the second half before Van Persie’s next involvement was a lay-off that was intercepted by Dean Hammond in the area before it reached its intended target. A frustrating evening of injuries for United continued when Januzaj went off with what appeared to be a leg injury following another seemingly innocuous aerial collision with Knockaert. Van Persie was substituted on 62 minutes, going off to warm applause from all present at the King Power Stadium which had one side opened. It may not have been the goalscoring return he wanted, and indeed he looked fairly quiet, but it was the game time under his belt that he needed as he looks to score the goals that would seal a Champions League spot for Van Gaal’s side. You would still suspect a start at Everton on Sunday would be far too early for Van Persie – but maybe not for Evans. The Northern Ireland international still had work to do late in the game as he marshalled a defence that came up against Knockaert, keen to force his way back into Nigel Pearson’s plans, who twice went close to finding the net. A ball across the box from Panayiotou also caused one or two alarms for the United back four but Evans can generally be pleased with his evening’s work. Wilson could have won it for the visitors late in the game but dragged a left-footed effort wide under pressure from Joe Davis. And he went in even closer deep into stoppage time as his effort was kept out by Smith from Kellet’s cross from the left. Januzaj awaits treatment from Manchester United's medical staff before going off injured during the Under 21 encounter . Manchester United first team striker Van Persie (centre) was named in a strong Under 21 side as he aimed to work on his fitness . Van Persie, pictured before the Under 21 clash at the King Power Stadium, was an unused substitute during United's defeat by Chelsea . Manchester United forward Van Persie played 62 minutes before being replaced by reserve team midfielder James Weir . Manchester United defender Tyler Blackett, who came on for the last 10 minutes against Chelsea, also made an appearance . Tom Thorpe captained United despite the presence of first team stars Van Persie, Rafael, Blackett, Januzaj and Jonny Evans . Manchester United centre back Evans will be hoping to be involved against Everton after serving a six-match ban for spitting . The Manchester United ace and Dutch international warms up ahead of the Under 21 match against Leicester City on Monday night . Leicester Under 21 boss Steve Beaglehole watches on as his side face a strong Manchester United side including Van Persie and Januzaj .
target: Robin van Persie, Adnan Januzaj, Jonny Evans, Tyler Blackett, James Wilson and Rafael all started for Man United .
  Man United first team stars Januzaj and Rafael sustained injuries during the 1-1 draw at the King Power Stadium .
  Van Persie boosted his chances of starting against Everton on Sunday by playing 62 minutes of Under 21 encounter .
  Both goals came during the first half as Sean Goss cancelled out Leicester forward Harry Panayiotou's opener .