Man United fight back to draw 2-2 with manager-less Leeds


Image Credit:sportingnews.com

An absolutely electric match at Old Trafford between two old rivals ended with honours even as Manchester United engineered a two-goal comeback to rescue a 2-2 draw.

The game was played at breakneck speed across the entire 90 minutes, as halftime did little to break up the frenetic pace. Leeds United bagged scrappy goals to start both halves, as Wilfried Gnonto scored 55 seconds into the match and then again off a Raphael Varane own-goal four minutes into the second half.

Yet as they have many times this year, Leeds struggled to defend in long stretches, as their blistering style of play cost them on multiple occasions. Marcus Rashford brought the Red Devils a goal back just past the half-hour mark, and then substitute Jadon Sancho came off the bench to equalise just nine minutes later.

United could have had more chances, largely through Alejandro Garnacho who was extremely bright in the opening 45 minutes, but the midfield play was extremely sloppy by the hosts. Fred in particular could not maintain possession under the pressing of American duo Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams, the former making his first Premier League start.

These two teams will link up again at Elland Road in just four days’ time, as a rescheduled fixture makes for odd back-to-back league battles.

The Sporting News was following the Man United vs Leeds United match live, providing score updates, commentary and highlights as they happened.

Man United vs Leeds United final score

1H       2H       Final

Man United  0          2          2

Leeds United            1          1          2

Goals:

1st min — LEE — Wilfried Gnonto

49th min — LEE — Raphael Varane (OG)

62nd min — MUN — Marcus Rashford

71st min — MUN — Jadon Sancho

Confirmed lineups:

Man United (4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. De Gea (GK) — 20. Dalot, 19. Varane, 6. L. Martinez, 23. Shaw — 17. Fred, 15. Sabitzer — 49. Garnacho (Pellistri, 59′), 8. Fernandes, 10. Rashford — 27. Weghorst (Sancho, 59′).

Leeds United (4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. Meslier (GK) — 2. Ayling, 39. Wober, 5. Koch, 21. Struijk (Firpo*, 23′) — 28. Adams, 12. McKennie (Fernandez, 89′) — 23. Sinisterra (Summerville, 8′), 11. Harrison (Aaronson, 63′), 29. Gnonto (Greenwood, 89′) — 9. Bamford (Rutter, 63′).

Man United vs Leeds United post-match analysis

Man United miss Casemiro, Eriksen dearly

The Manchester United midfield was carved to pieces today on numerous occasions, and the absence of Brazilian anchor Casemiro was evident.

Marcel Sabitzer was a positive on his debut, but his midfield pivot partner Fred was dreadful, giving the ball away consistently and allowing Leeds to muck up the game. Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie were a menace all match, disrupting the middle of the park with their work rate and positioning.

When Casemiro returns this midfield will be a force again, as Sabitzer is a quality player, but Fred is not up to the level required at this point. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Scott McTominay slide back in if he comes back from injury before Casmiro is back.

Leeds United style of play no different after Marsch departure

This match was played at absolute blistering pace, as Leeds United have done under Jesse Marsch and even Marcelo Bielsa before him. There’s really no difference between this team before and after the American was let go, at least in style.

Leeds were, however, able to capitalise on their chances in front of net, which is something they’ve struggled with so far this season. They could have even had more, as Brenden Aaronson hit the post with a free-kick late.

Still, this exhausting style of play has its clear disadvantages. Leeds were constantly wide open at the back, and Manchester United on another day could have scored for or five goals. This style of play is fun as heck, but it’s not really sustainable in its current form. Luke Ayling in particular couldn’t handle his defensive duties out wide, and was completely out of gas by the end of the match. Whoever comes in on a permanent basis may want to calm things down a bit on the field to keep this team afloat.

Note: This article is taken from sportingnews.com

https://www.sportingnews.com/us/soccer/news/man-united-vs-leeds-united-live-score-highlights-premier-league/ritilwklaz43opaynpf4vkph

 

 

 

 

 

 

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