Matheus Cunha scored the equaliser whilst Joshua Zirkzee provided the assist as Manchester United fought back to earn a point away against promoted side Leeds
Manchester United managed to come away with a hard-earned point at Elland Road, battling against a spirited Leeds side and an electric atmosphere.
The match sparked into life when Leeds took the lead due to some trademark lax defending from United, allowing Brenden Aaronson to capitalise on a clearance from Pascal Struijk and score past Senne Lammens. Despite being unfortunate to fall behind given the run of play, United quickly found an equaliser within three minutes.
A pass from Joshua Zirkzee set Matheus Cunha free, who finished with aplomb. Yet it was Leeds who then took the game to the visitors and pushed for a winner, as United disappointed yet again and dropped two crucial points in their bid to secure European football next season. Here’s how the United players performed at Elland Road, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Starting XI
Senne Lammens
Could perhaps have done better with the goal but made two smart saves in the second half from Gudmundsson and Okafor. His distribution under pressure was solid. 6
Leny Yoro
Had a few shaky moments as we’ve come to expect. Currently, it’s too easy for opponents to get behind him on the right side. 6.
Ayden Heaven
Made one well-timed tackle in the box that initially looked reckless. Good with the ball but caught out of position for the goal. 6.
Lisandro Martinez
His passing was strong and he showed plenty of aggression in defence. Back on the left of the back three where he seems more comfortable. 7.
Diogo Dalot
Had a few careless moments with the ball and was too casual in giving it away for the first goal. The right flank was exposed at times. 6.
Manuel Ugarte
One of his best performances of the season, with conditions to his liking. Didn’t do much with the ball but was effective without it and set a really combative tone. 7.
Casemiro
More adept on the ball than Ugarte and put up a good fight. The midfield seemed like it could be United’s weak spot, but that didn’t turn out to be the case. 7.
Luke Shaw
His corners posed a threat and he made one outstanding defensive header. He was back in a position he hasn’t played in for several years, but he performed well. 7.
Patrick Dorgu
Currently being shuffled around quite a bit, which isn’t doing him any favours. He narrowly missed a chance in the first half. 6.
Matheus Cunha
The standout player for United. He led the charge in the first half and was clearly the best player on the pitch. His goal was well-deserved and he looked sharp. 8.
Benjamin Sesko
Amorim criticised his hold-up play early on. He had a hand in the goal but showed poor centre-forward play by being offside for a weak header, then missed a good opportunity to clinch the win. 5.
Substitutes
Joshua Zirkzee
A rare proactive substitution from Amorim that paid off. He delivered a great pass to set up Cunha for the equalising goal and had some impressive moments. 7.
Unused substitutes
Bayindir, Fredricson, Kukonki, Malacia, Mantato, J. Fletcher, T. Fletcher, Lacey.