Manchester United defeated Leeds United 2-0 in a Premier League battle at Elland Road. Erik ten Hag’s men scored two goals in three minutes, thanks to Marcus Rashford’s header and substitute Alejandro Garnacho’s strike, to move United into second place in the table, one point ahead of Manchester City (who play Aston Villa on Saturday) and five points behind Arsenal.
United could have had two more goals, but Rashford and Wout Weghorst’s efforts were ruled out for offside shortly before the end. The game demonstrated the intensity of the two clubs’ rivalry, with a number of fouls breaking up play and a fierce atmosphere that, at times, crossed the line.
Both sets of fans made an electric noise inside Elland Road. However, the game began with a gritty, style of play, with multiple fouls committed. As a result, the home team received an early free kick, which found Maximilian Worber on the left wing. His pass found Patrick Bamford, whose shot was saved by David De Gea, and he was followed by a shot by Crysencio Summerville, who was unable to convert.
United had our first big chance of the game nearly 20 minutes into the game. Jadon Sancho took on the already-booked Junior Firpo and passed to Bruno Fernandes. Prior to the match, the Portuguese midfielder had already scored six goals against Leeds in all competitions.
The game took an ugly turn halfway through the half, with both teams committing 11 fouls just before the half-hour mark. The intensity of the rivalry was demonstrated by clashes between Luke Ayling and Tyrell Malacia, as well as Fernandes and Summerville.
Leeds looked to take the lead just before the halftime break. Summerville launched a quick counter-attack, forcing De Gea to make a save that rebounded off Harry Maguire but was brought under control by Malacia and cleared away.
And then it was United’s turn to try to break the deadlock. Fernandes won the ball from the Leeds defence, advanced deep into the opposition half, and charged at Illan Meslier’s goal. His one-on-one opportunity forced the Frenchman to make a spectacular save to keep the game tied.
Marcel Sabitzer vs. Leeds [match rank]:
100% tackles won [🥇]
13/13 final third passes [🥇]
2 interceptions [🥇]The engine in midfield. 🚂 pic.twitter.com/jOkfOyckhU
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 12, 2023
Leeds got off to a fast start, creating two big chances. The best chance fell to Ayling on the edge of the box, whose shot ricocheted off Luke Shaw and went wide.
United then went on the counter-attack, with Fred finding Rashford as he raced towards the box. Ayling and Weston McKennie brought down the Reds’ no.10 in the area, but the referee immediately signalled no penalty. United returned 15 minutes later. Alejandro Garnacho, a substitute, cut in on the left side and picked a pass to Fred. The Brazilian turned to his right and came across Diogo Dalot, who fired a long-range shot.
The hosts then came dangerously close to scoring. Summerville raced towards De Gea after intercepting a Shaw back pass, but the keeper made a brilliant save with his legs to deny the winger.
Rashford’s moment arrived two minutes later. Shaw was found on the left wing by Marcel Sabitzer’s excellent pass. With 10 minutes remaining, the defender took a touch and looked up before whipping in a wicked cross towards Rashford, who rose high and hit a bullet header past Meslier United wanted more once the floodgates were opened. Garnacho was able to dance his way through before landing in a shooting position. Taking it on his right foot and striking towards Meslier’s near post, the Argentina Under-20 wing wizard found the net through the woodwork to put the game to bed.
In a one-sided finale, Rashford and Weghorst scored again, but VAR checks confirmed the on-field decision to flag both efforts offside.
