- Manchester United defeated Leeds United 2-0 at Elland Road thanks to late goals from Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho
- The win came four days after the two sides drew 2-2 at Old Trafford
- Goals from Rashford and Garnacho sealed the win
Manchester United defeated Leeds United 2-0 at Elland Road thanks to late goals from Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.
Four days after the two sides drew 2-2 at Old Trafford, Crysencio Summerville and Bruno Fernandes each had two chances to put their respective teams ahead in the first half, but they were unable to capitalize.
Although the score remained goalless for most of the game, chances continued to present themselves, with Diogo Dalot hitting the crossbar in the second half.
However, just as it appeared that both teams would have to settle for a point, Rashford broke the deadlock with a well-placed header, followed by Garnacho’s second Premier League goal to secure the three points.
The Red Devils move into second place, one point ahead of local rivals Manchester City, who can reclaim first place with a draw or better against Aston Villa. In comparison, a managerless Leeds side remains just one point above the relegation zone.
Leeds, who are still looking for Jesse Marsch’s replacement, took the lead in the first minute against Manchester United on Wednesday, and while they were unable to find an early breakthrough this time, they made another strong start.
How the game unfolded
Rashford scored late to gift United a lead at Leeds.|PHOTO: CBS|
David de Gea denied Patrick Bamford from close range, and Summerville blew a promising rebound opportunity by powering his effort over the bar.
The visitors created an opening in the 20th minute after being caught off guard by Leeds’ quick start, but Fernandes dragged his effort harmlessly wide.
As it turned out, Summerville and Fernandes were each given a chance just before the break.
The Leeds winger was denied by the Man United goalkeeper, while Fernandes appeared to be on his way to giving his side the lead when he intercepted Maximilian Weber’s sloppy pass, but Illan Meslier’s right leg ensured the score remained 0-0.
Second half
With 15 minutes to recharge their batteries, Leeds exploded out of the gate in the second half, and Summerville was once again the catalyst.
After receiving the ball on the edge of the box from Tyler Adams, the Dutchman let fly from there, drawing a smart save from De Gea.
Leeds continued to press forward in search of the opening goal, with Jack Harrison and Luke Ayling both firing wide in quick succession.
Erik ten Hag’s side began to recompose themselves after a period of dominance by Leeds, and they came agonizingly close to scoring through an unlikely source.
Dalot picked up the ball just outside Leeds’ penalty area and unleashed a thunderous effort that hit the crossbar.
As the clock approached the 80th minute, the visitors finally found a way to score, with Rashford finding space between the Leeds defence to head home Luke Shaw’s inch-perfect cross.
Manchester United quickly added a second after Rashford’s 12th Premier League goal of the season took the wind out of Leeds’ sails.
Garnacho, who came off the bench, drove purposefully into the box from the left flank before slotting the ball past Meslier.
Garnacho celebrates after scoring.|PHOTO: CBS|
There was still time for Rashford and Wout Weghorst to have goals disallowed for offside, but that would not have dampened Man United’s spirits as they extended their unbeaten streak to six games in all competitions.
What next?
The Red Devils will travel to Camp Nou on Thursday to face La Liga leaders Barcelona in the first leg of their Europa League play-off tie.
Meanwhile, Leeds will hope to have a new permanent manager in place by Saturday’s game against relegation rivals Everton.
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