Iheanacho hat-trick as Leicester crush Sheffield United

Sheffield United, still dealing with Chris Wilder's resignation, had no answer to Leicester's razor-sharp attacking performance.

Leicester's Kelechi Iheanacho leaves the field with the match ball after scoring a hat-trick during the English Premier League soccer match between Leicester City and Sheffield United at the King Power Stadium in Leicester, England, Sunday, March 14, 2021.

Kelechi Iheanacho scored a superb hat-trick as Leicester City crushed bottom side Sheffield United 5-0 on Sunday to move second in the Premier League table.

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder left the club late on Saturday and coach Paul Heckingbottom, who will take charge until the end of the season, had no time to fix the team's defensive frailty and toothless attack.

Leicester went ahead in the 39th minute when Jamie Vardy latched on to a clever pass and his perfect centre left Iheanacho with the simple tap-in.

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Ayoze Perez added the second in the 64th minute with a low shot, Vardy again assisted Iheanacho for another simple finish and the Nigerian saved the best for last, firing home a powerful left-foot shot in the 78th minute to complete his first Premier League hat-trick.

A Vardy shot was turned into his own net by Ethan Ampadu to complete the rout as Leicester climbed up to the second spot on 56 points after 29 games, two ahead of Manchester United who plays West Ham United later on Sunday.

Sheffield United remained bottom on 14 points, 14 behind Newcastle United in 17th place.