After a strong performance at Old Trafford midweek Leeds could not repeat their efforts by producing that final quality in front of goal. Without that early goal by Leeds United, Manchester United grew into the match and scored, again.
Leeds United returned to Elland Road for Part two of their Premier League games against Manchester United in the space of one week. After a convincing draw at Old Trafford this is the time make the most of home advantage. The Sky sports commentator remarked that Elland Road is the loudest he has heard a stadium this season.
Maguire for Manchester United got a rare appearance in their defence in recognition he knows what to expect from Leeds United. Sancho, who saved United’s blushes on Wednesday, earned a start.
Leeds started as they did in the previous match on Wednesday. Tackles for the ball were ferocious and industrial. Ten Hag was unusually vocal. Manchester United started slowly struggling to get out of their own half.
Leeds made the first goal attempt in the first few minutes with Sumerville testing the Manchester United defence. Firpo, true to form earned the first yellow card of the afternoon. Fred quickly followed for Manchester United.
Wober kept Sancho on a tight leash, and Ayling managed to keep up with Rashford. Fernandes has United’s first shot on target on 40 minutes with a long range shot, as Leeds are pressed in their own half.
Leeds ended the first half with Summerville testing De Gea and then with the last attempt on the whistle but his final touch lets him down. Gnonto was crowded out on the left wing. United’s best chance came in extra time firstly with a rare Wober mistake that Meslier stopped then straight away a corner that glided through everyone.
Second half More Leeds Chaos
Leed started the second half peppering the De Gea goal. Summerville started the second half with a shot on target. Manchester United dominated possession but Leeds tackled them to create scoring opportunities. Alas no quality to score that goal.
The star for Manchester United on Wednesday, Sancho, was subbed off early as Ayling had kept him quiet. Manchester United, as on Wednesday, grew and started to find ways in to the Leeds half, with Dalot hitting the crossbar.
After a wave of substitutions Leeds pressed Manchester United with Somerville in the action again forcing another save from De Gea.
But that lack of quality in front of goal cost Leeds United dearly. They had more shots on target but lacked that clinical edge. Rashford beat his man to head home the winner. Criminal, as Leeds United had been the better team to that point. Leeds lost their concentration and Garnacho caught Leeds United on the counter attack and despatched a second.
It was a nervous end to the match as Manchester United had two quick disallowed goals.
Man of the Match: Summerville
