We learnt three things as Manchester United secured a 2-0 win over Leeds United at Elland Road in their second Premier League meeting in four days, following a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford earlier in the week. The match was an entertaining spectacle, with a goalless first half followed by two late goals from Marcus Rashford and substitute Alejandro Garnacho.
Leeds, managed by interim boss Michael Skubala while they search for a permanent successor to Jesse Marsch, can take confidence from earning a draw at Old Trafford earlier last week and pushing their opponents all the way again at Elland Road. However, their win-less run in the Premier League extended to nine games and they remain in 17th position, one point and one position above Everton.
While Jadon Sancho made his first Premier League start for the Red Devils since October and Bruno Fernandes featured too, their impact was not as desired. Wout Weghorst was isolated, and Ten Hag’s men were missing midfield control provided by the suspended Casemiro.
However after the Leeds United win, Manchester United are in a strong position, sitting five points clear of fourth-placed Newcastle and seven points ahead of fifth-placed Tottenham.
1. Manchester United Fans Furious On VAR Ruling Out Wout Weghorst’s strike
In the dying moments of the game, the Dutch striker believed he had scored his first Premier League goal for the club when he scooped the ball into the net. He celebrated by heading towards the travelling fans before noticing the assistant referee’s raised flag for offside.
The decision was confirmed by VAR, which judged that the ball had come off Harry Maguire before the striker had gone beyond the last defender. However, another angle provided a different view. Weghorst was deployed in a deeper role even though Ten Hag may have wanted him as a number 9, but his ability to draw out defenders and hold up play for his teammates can be just as effective.
2. Fred With A Man Of The Match Performance
The Brazilian midfielder has been a significant player for the Red Devils this season, featuring in 31 matches across all competitions and netting 4 goals while providing 2 assists. He has played a vital role in Erik ten Hag’s midfield, partnering with Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Scott McTominay, and Marcel Sabitzier in various games.
Fred – Player of the Match (match rank in brackets)
8⃣ Tackles won (1st)
2⃣9⃣2⃣ Intensive runs (1st)
1⃣0⃣km Distance run (2nd)
1⃣1⃣ Possession won (2nd)
1⃣1⃣ Duels won (2nd)
8⃣ Final 3rd entries (2nd) pic.twitter.com/JXEIYn54at— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) February 12, 2023
3. David De Gea Creates History
The Manchester United keeper made history against against Leeds, becoming the first non-British player to make 400 Premier League appearances for one club. De Gea moved to Old Trafford in 2011 from Atletico Madrid in a £19 million deal, winning the league title in his second season and adding the FA Cup and EFL Carabao Cup to his list of honours.
On his 400th Premier League appearance, the Spanish shot-stopper equalled Peter Schmeichel’s record of 178 clean sheets. De Gea’s contract with United is set to expire at the end of the season, but talks have been ongoing regarding an extension.
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Man United manager, Erik ten Hag, explained that he believed his team lacked composure during the game, which was a problem. Despite this, he felt that the side showed their strength as a squad, being the only team in Europe playing in four competitions, and that it was important to use the squad tactically, with everyone contributing and being important.
The win against Leeds United keeps Manchester United third in the table on 46 points, five points behind Man City as well as Arsenal. United will face Barcelona on Thursday in the Europa League before hosting Leicester at Old Trafford in the league three days later.
The Whites are struggling, currently one point above the relegation zone and having gone a record-equalling nine games without a Premier League win. They will next play third-bottom Everton on Saturday.
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