On February 8, Manchester United drew 2-2 with Leeds United in the Premier League.
The Red Devils were the pre-match favorites in a meeting between two clubs going on opposing paths. Erik ten Hag’s team kept pushing for the top after Casemiro’s sending-off against Crystal Palace.
Leeds wanted a “new manager bounce” under interim coach Michael Skubala. They surprised the Premier League by firing Jesse Marsch this week. The Peacocks will try to stay on the top flight with a youthful, talented team.
Manchester United trailed after Wilfried Gnonto scored a long-range strike in the first minute. Leeds lost Pascal Struijk and Luis Sinisterra shortly after. Later, goalscorer Gnonto fell but got up.
United had 69% ball possession. Only three of their 11 shots were on target. Illan Meslier saved Marcel Sabitzer’s shot for Leeds.
Leeds United led Manchester United 1-0 at halftime.
Leeds United started the second half strongly and was lucky to double their lead. Raphael Varane’s clumsy touchline shot went into his net. Manchester United made two substitutions towards the hour mark with a scoreline to overcome.
Marcus Rashford scored on a looping cross from Diogo Dalot. With 20 minutes left, substitute Jadon Sancho leveled the score by shooting straight at the goalkeeper, who failed to react in time. Junior Firpo’s caution prevented Rashford from scoring.
Manchester United and Leeds tied. Thus, the game’s five talking points.
Wilfried Gnonto stunned Old Trafford. faithful
Leeds has given Gnonto nine consecutive game weeks. He scored and assisted one goal before tonight. However, he started the game brilliantly by scoring.
Bruno Fernandes dropped the ball near the touchline, letting numerous white shirts rush forward. Gnonto beat David De Gea after a swift one-two with Patrick Bamford.
#4. Manchester United wasted first-half chances.
Manchester United maintained possession after conceding in the first minute. They found holes behind Leeds’ defense and created scoring chances. They attempted 11 shots but only hit three. Their only hope was Sabitzer’s long-range shot.
Leeds maintained pressure as Manchester United lost possession in vital areas around their 18-yard box.
#3. Erik ten Hag made clever, timely changes
Ten Hag made two substitutions before the hour after falling two goals behind. Alejandro Garnacho and Wout Weghorst failed to play. The former misplaced the ball multiple times, while the latter did not see enough of it to influence.
Manchester United substitutes Jadon Sancho and debutant Facundo Pellistri had an immediate impact. Sancho equalized for United in the 70th minute, while Pellistri ran at defenders.
#2. Leeds was fortunate to win late.
Sancho’s goal revitalized Old Trafford as fans sang in a loud chorus to win. They celebrated every duel won and encouraged forward passes. Junior Firpo was cautioned after intentionally bringing down Rashford in midfield.
Rashford would have scored had Firpo not been alert. That could only end one way in his current state.
#1. Marcus Rashford is red-hot.
Since Cristiano Ronaldo left, Rashford has been Manchester United’s main striker this season. In 32 games for United, he has 19 goals and eight assists. His header gave his team momentum to score again.
Rashford scored in six consecutive Premier League games at Old Trafford tonight, becoming the first player since Wayne Rooney (2012).
