Marcus Rashford scored his 21st goal of the season as Manchester United left it late to beat managerless Leeds United 2-0 at Elland Road on Sunday.
Rashford salvaged a 2-2 draw for Erik ten Hag’s side after relegation-threatened Leeds had taken a shock two-goal lead when the two rivals met at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
The forward continued his outstanding form by heading the Red Devils in front 10 minutes from time in a fiery Premier League encounter in West Yorkshire.
Alejandro Garnacho sealed the victory five minutes later as Manchester United moved about Manchester City into second place ahead of the champions’ game against Aston Villa later in the day.
Weghorst thought he’d added a third in stoppage time, but it was ruled out for offside. Nevertheless, United managed to seal a brilliant win, while Leeds’ quest for a league win in 2023, like their search for a new manager, continues without success.
Leeds United player ratings (4-2-3-1)
GK: Illan Meslier – 7/10 – Rarely tested in truth but when called upon he did well, including nice block from Fernandes in the first-half and could do little with either goal.
RB: Luke Ayling (C) – 7/10 – Good contest against Rashford and he was more than up to it, and also looked dangerous going forward.
CB: Robin Koch – 6/10 – Very solid in contest with Weghorst – did nothing wrong, but was shown a clean set of heels from Garnacho for United’s second goal.
CB: Max Wober – 5/10 – Some good some bad, defended well but distribution at times was questionable and he will have been disappointed on the goal not to be nearer to Rashford.
LB: Junior Firpo – 6/10 – No mistakes, wasn’t able to get forward too much but pretty solid from the Brazilian although could he have been closer to Rashford on goal?
CM: Tyler Adams – 8/10 – Really got stuck in, and clearly appreciated what the game meant to the fans – the heart and soul of the Leeds side.
CM: Weston McKennie – 7/10 – Really combative in the middle, formed a good partnership with Adams but didn’t get forward much.
RW: Crysencio Summerville – 8/10 – A thorn in the side of United all day, an another day could have had three.
AM: Jack Harrison – 6/10 – Put in a good shift but doesn’t look particularly comfortable or threatening as a number ten.
LW: Wilfried Gnonto – 6/10 – Really quiet from the Italian, had a couple of breaks in the second-half but well marshalled by Dalot for most of the game.
CF: Patrick Bamford – 5/10 – The ball didn’t really stick for the England international and no real shock he was taken offer before the hour.
Substitutes:
Georginio Rutter (58′ for Bamford) – 3/10 – Offered little when he came on.
Brenden Aaronson (73′ for Harrison) – N/A
Ross Greenwood (84′ for McKennie) – N/A
Manager: Michael Skubala – 6/10 – Got the best out of Summerville, but others were not at it.
Manchester United player ratings (4-2-3-1)
GK: David De Gea – 8/10 – Questionable clearances at times, but he will blame some statuesque teammates in front of him – but made some very good saves too to keep Leeds at bay.
RB: Diogo Dalot – 7/10 – Defensively excellent, won his battle with the dangerous Gnonto and almost scored.
CB: Harry Maguire (C) – 7/10 – Some good blocks, cleared his lines well when required. Solid.
CB: Luke Shaw (C) – 9/10 – The best defender and player on the pitch, excellent in central defence and also at full-back. Class act. Also popped up with the assist for the opener.
CM: Marcel Sabitzer – 6/10 – Worked hard enough, but offered little going forward and was well shackled by Leeds.
CM: Fred – 8/10 – Really busy, never gave Leeds a moments piece in the middle of the mark – good performance.
RW: Jadon Sancho – 6/10 – He tried a few things and had his moments, but was taken offer on the hour.
AM: Bruno Fernandes – 7/10 – Like Summerville had numerous chances, should have scored. As ever moaned at the officials from start to finish but at least played at times.
LW: Marcus Rashford – 8/10 – Like Sancho on the other side, had some moments but never really got the big chance he was looking for – until 10 minutes from time when he headed home. Clinical.
CF: Wout Weghorst – 4/10 – Won a few headers but contributed very little – although United’s attempts to find him in the box were negligible. Provided an assist.
Substitutes:
Alejandro Garnacho (61′ for Sancho) – 7/10 – Great finish to kill the game off.
Lisandro Martinez (61′ for Malacia) – 4/10 – Almost cost his side with missed clearance.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (73′ for Dalot) – N/A
Manager: Erik Ten Hag – 7/10 – Subs made a real difference.
