Man United, Leeds share points in thrilling draw
Leeds United ended a dominant home run from Manchester United on Wednesday thanks to a 2-2 draw. The Red Devils had previously won their last 13 matches in all competitions at Old Trafford. Despite the draw, Leeds had commanding control of the game early on the in night. The visitors entered the match without Jesse […]
Leeds United ended a dominant home run from Manchester United on Wednesday thanks to a 2-2 draw. The Red Devils had previously won their last 13 matches in all competitions at Old Trafford. Despite the draw, Leeds had commanding control of the game early on the in night.
The visitors entered the match without Jesse Marsch on the sideline. Marsch was fired on Monday following a seven-match winless streak in league play. In fact, Leeds haven’t collect three points in the Premier League since beating Bournemouth on Nov. 5. Club U21 boss Michael Skubala would be in charge of the game at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Fast start a theme for the Whites
Leeds got off to a dream start in the match thanks to an extremely early goal by Wilfried Gnonto. The Italian starlet played a neat give-and-go with Patrick Bamford and then placed a perfect low shot into the bottom corner. Red Devils goalkeeper David de Gea, unsighted and leaning the other way, had almost no chance to stop the shot. The goal came with just 56 seconds on the clock. Gnonto now has four goals in his last seven games.
Skubala was forced to make two early substitutions in the game due to various injuries. Luis Sinisterra departed in the eighth minute because of an apparent hamstring problem. Full back Pascal Struijk had to be forced off with a possible concussion about 15 minutes later. Crysencio Summerville and Junior Firpo entered the fray for their injured teammates.
Leeds started the second half much like the first. Substitute Summerville attempted a hopeful cross to Patrick Bamford right in front of goal. The ball, however, deflected off of Raphael Varane and into the net. The goal came less than three minutes into the second period.
Manchester United fights back for draw against Leeds
Marcus Rashford grabbed a goal back for the Red Devils with a beautiful header in the 62nd minute. The England international latched onto a floated cross by Diogo Dalot and guided it into the corner of the net. Rashford now has 15 goals in his last 20 games and scores in six consecutive home league matches.
Jadon Sancho, who came on as a substitute, leveled the scoreline just eight minutes later. The winger put in a precise shot through the Leeds defense and passed a diving Meslier. Meslier, one of Leeds’s most reliable players, had a poor moment based on his quality. The ball was not deflected, but sight lines may have poised an issue. Regardless, Sancho will surely take the goal. He was making his first Premier League appearance with the club since October.
The draw leaves Manchester United seven points from league leaders Arsenal. Although the Red Devils have now played two more matches than the Gunners. At the other end of the table, Leeds inch a little farther away from the relegation zone. They are now one point clear of 18th-placed Everton.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Sportimage
