Bruno Fernandes has claimed he knew Kasper Schmeichel was “afraid” as he kept the ball close to him before the crucial spot-kick converted by the Manchester United midfielder. The Red Devils were living dangerously with the scoreline at 0-0 as the Foxes pressed for a winner.
But then Anthony Martial was brought down by former United defender Jonny Evans.
It was a record-breaking 14th penalty for United in the Premier League this season, the most ever won in a single campaign.
Fernandes was forced to collect the ball from the six yard box by Schmeichel but he kept his cool to send the Dane the wrong way.
The Portuguese international has made a real knack of stuttering from 12 yards, before calmly slotting the ball home.
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United know that qualification for the Champions League is likely to have a huge bearing on summer signings including Jadon Sancho.
“I’m happy – all goals are important in different ways,” Fernandes added.
“It was important today for us and for me to score this goal because it gave us a chance to be more calm in the game.
“Of course Leicester tried to attack because they needed to score twice but we defended well and in the last minute we never stopped fighting.”
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United finished the season in third place behind rivals Liverpool and Manchester City. Chelsea will also join United in the Champions League next season after beating Wolves 2-0.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is delighted that he has secured the return of Europe’s elite club competition ahead of next season.
“To end up third is fantastic. They’ve taken on board so many things,” Solskjaer said.
“We’ve had ups and downs and it’s come down to the last game. I have to say it’s a wonderful achievement from everyone. The staff, they are incredible.
“I did have a chat with everyone this morning on no matter what happened today, we’ve come so far as a team.
“We’re building a culture and I’m very proud of all their efforts and pleased with their efforts because to win this game was massive mentally for them as well, after losing two semi-finals this year.”