Man United vs Leeds United : Man United came back from 2-0 down after a thrilling 2-2 draw at Old Trafford on Wednesday to salvage a point against manager less Leeds United.
Led by Michael Skubala, Leeds scored after 55 seconds through Wilfried Gnonto after Jace Marsh was sent off and were almost 2-0 up in the second half when Raphael Varane fired home. But United equalized in the 62nd and 70th minutes with two quick strikes from Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho.
The result leaves United third, but just three points clear of fourth-placed Newcastle, who have a game in hand. Leeds United potential clinch leaves them 16th behind West Ham on goal difference, a point above the relegation zone.
United beat their Rose rivals Leeds 11-3 in their first two meetings at Old Trafford, ending a seven-match Premier League winless run for the visitors that led to the sacking of manager Marsh this week. With Leeds taking an early lead, their performance was even more surprising as Gnonto scored the second earliest goal at Old Trafford in the Premier League after Edin Dzeko in 2014 for Manchester City.
Second lead
United twice came close to equalizing after De Gea denied Leeds United a second with a smart stop at his near post as debutant Marcel Sabitzer shot just wide. The hosts continued to have chances as Garnacho rounded Meslier before seeing a shot blocked, while Sabitzer was denied a brilliant save.
The home side’s wastefulness proved costly as Leeds looked set to end their 18-match winning streak at Old Trafford after Varane was unable to prevent Chrisencio Somervell’s cross from rolling into his own net. The first victory. However, Rashford had a different idea as he headed home to become the first United player to score six consecutive Old Trafford goals since Wayne Rooney in 2012.
Brandon Aaronson hit the post from a Leeds free-kick and United calmly equalized, benefiting from the return of Sancho after a long absence with physical and mental health problems.
A tightly contested game between the two old rivals at Old Trafford ended in honor’s, although United came back with two goals to salvage a 2-2 draw.
The full 90 minutes were played at a furious pace, with the break barely breaking the hectic pace. Leeds United had a few sloppy goals early in the first half with Wilfried Genunto scoring 55 seconds into the game before Raphael Varah scored another of his own four minutes into the second half.
However, like so many times this year, Leeds struggled defensively in the long run as their intense style of play cost them many times. Marcus Rashford pulled one back for the Red Devils after half an hour, before substitute Jadon Sancho equalized nine minutes later.
United could have had more chances, mainly with Alejandro Ganaccio outstanding in the first 45 minutes, but the hosts were sloppy in midfield. In particular, Fred was unable to keep possession under pressure from American duo Weston McKenney and Tyler Adams, the former of whom started in the Premier League.
The two teams meet again at Elland Road in just four days’ time as the rescheduled games feature some odd back-to-back league fixtures.
Full Match: Manchester United 2-2 Leeds United
Life after Jesse Marsh’s departure began with a valuable point for Leeds United, while Manchester United will cling to a draw knowing it could be worse.
An absolutely thrilling race played at lightning speed. Thank you both for everything you did in 90 minutes. There are positives and negatives for both clubs, but in the end it could be a fair result. United could have had more, but they were sloppy and toothless at times in the first half, so it’s hard to say they got all three points in this game.