A thrilling battle between two longtime rivals at Old Trafford finished in a stalemate despite Manchester United’s two-goal comeback to save a 2-2 tie.
Halftime did nothing to slow down the game’s fast tempo, which continued throughout the whole 90 minutes. Wilfried Gnonto scored only 55 seconds into the game, and four minutes into the second half, Raphael Varane scored an own goal to give Leeds United a 2-1 lead.
Leeds struggled to defend for extended periods of time, as they have often this season, and their fast-paced style of play repeatedly cost them. Just over the halfway point, Marcus Rashford gave the Red Devils a goal back, and nine minutes later, Jadon Sancho, a replacement, equalised.
Alejandro Garnacho, who was particularly impressive in the first 45 minutes, might have given United more opportunities, but the hosts’ midfield play was quite shoddy. Under the pressure of Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams, two American players, the former making his maiden Premier League start, Fred in particular was unable to keep the ball under control.
In only four days, these two clubs will meet again at Elland Road because of a postponed match that results in an unusual back-to-back league matchup.
Leeds United vs. Man United after-game commentary
Man United really misses Casemiro and Eriksen.
On many instances today, the Manchester United midfield was dismantled, and the absence of Brazilian anchor Casemiro was noticeable.
On his debut, Marcel Sabitzer performed well, but his midfield pivot partner Fred was terrible, constantly giving the ball away and allowing Leeds to screw up the game. Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams caused havoc in the centre of the park throughout the whole game with their positioning and work rate.
Sabitzer is a talented player, but Fred is not yet at the level necessary to carry this midfield when Casemiro comes back.
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