Leeds were second best in every department, a point which Reid did not disguise as his side were made to look like a team who had yet to play together.

The United line-up did include the debut-making Brazil World Cup winner Roque Junior and Didier Domi, making his first start for the club at left-back.

Leeds were certainly all at sea throughout the match, and Leicester took full advantage, with goalkeeper Paul Robinson preventing City from doubling their 4-0 tally.

The Foxes chalked up their first Premiership win of the season in superb fashion, starting with two stunning goals in the space of three first-half minutes from Lilian Nalis and Paul Dickov.

Scotland international Dickov added his second and the team’s third nine minutes from time, with Jamie Scowcroft completing the rout 90 seconds before the final whistle.

The performance left Reid bemused as he said: “We were second best.

“We were really disappointing. You’ve got to earn the right to play, but we didn’t do that. Leicester wanted it more and it showed.

“Before the game I told the players what to expect, but they played to their strengths and we didn’t do that at all.

“They showed the desire to go and win the ball and from our point of view we should have showed our desire to defend it better. That’s basics and that’s what is so disappointing.

“We just didn’t compete. We weren’t up for it. There has to be a desire to win a football match and we didn’t even show that in order just to compete.

“I thought we had turned a corner but now we need to get back on the training ground and get it going again.”

For City boss Micky Adams the result will have silenced the critics who were scathing in the wake of his team’s dire display in the 3-1 defeat at Aston Villa two weeks ago.

In starting the campaign with just two points from their opening four matches, the snipers appeared correct in pinpointing Leicester for yet another immediate return to the Nationwide League.

But the confidence will now be high in the Foxes’ camp, although Adams said: “I would have taken any margin of victory before the game, never mind that one.

“That first win is always important and tonight we showed what we are all about and that was the level of performance I am delighted with.

“We know you cannot take games lightly and you have to start matches fast and furious and that’s what we did against Leeds.

“But we cannot take anything for granted because now we’ve matches coming up against Liverpool and Manchester United and they don’t come much tougher than that.”