Erik Ten Hag could consider a new approach and make changes to Manchester United's attack when they play against Leeds United at Elland Road. The former FC Ajax boss saw his side fall behind against Leeds United after a sluggish start to both halves of the game. Thanks to his double substitution, which helped spark a potential comeback in a game, they eventually had to settle for a stalemate.
Marcus Rashford was always thought to be inefficient as a center-forward, but this season he's been just as effective for Manchester United on the left as he has through the middle.
This week, he started on the left against Leeds and Crystal Palace, but once he was switched to the center, he exploded onto the scene. On Saturday, it took him just two minutes to score as a striker, and on Wednesday, it took him just three.
From the standpoint of a center-forward, the quality of those two goals is what stands out the most. In the Palace game, it was his deft movement and ability to hold a run as the center defenders fell past him, giving him a clear opportunity.
The 59 minutes of Wout Weghorst's contribution were in sharp contrast to Marcus Rashford's. Although he wasn't initially signed to play every week, the loanee has been a valuable addition to the Manchester United matchday squad. Anthony Martial's flakiness has made it necessary for him to be forced to do just that.
But with Marcus Rashford in the middle, Manchester United appear to be a smoother, more dangerous team, and Erik Ten Hag has alternatives to take that into consideration more frequently now, even without Anthony Martial.
He restored the Red Devils' lead against Leeds with a magnificent header. Erik ten Hag has pushed him to get better in this part of his game, and it's obvious that it's working. The opportunity wasn't exactly handed to them on a silver platter by Diogo Dalot's cross, but the leap was incredible, and the header's course was unstoppable.
The past week has seen a significant improvement as a result of Jadon Sancho's return. After grabbing attention against Nottingham Forest for 30 minutes, he had an even greater impact against Leeds. He entered the game this time from the left and appeared dangerous when facing Luke Ayling. In the lead-up to Jadon Sancho's equalizer, which was his fourth goal of the year and by far the most significant for him, his connection with Luke Shaw caught the eye in particular.
Jadon Sancho should be reenergized and added to Manchester United's front, especially if doing so allows Marcus Rashford to play through the middle. When Antony is healthy, that would leave a spot on the right.
This performance may have, in a sense, changed Ten Hag's opinion about playing some attacking roles. Alejandro Garnacho was erratic in possession but terrified the Leeds United defense when he rushed at them. Wout Weghorst, who remained unidentified, is probably tired.
On Sunday, Manchester United will face the same opponents again, so they may use a fresh approach. The only disappointment with the adjustments that led to a chaotic final half-hour is that they weren't sufficient to completely transform the game.
Before Wednesday night, Manchester United had won 13 straight games at Old Trafford. There was a sense that this streak couldn't last forever, but nobody really thought it would end against Leeds United.
Erik Ten Hag led a team that was full of spirit and unity, but those mistakes cost them dearly because they were made up of individuals who slept through both halves. Despite the fact that it is well known across the Premier League that Leeds, for all their flaws, are one of the most physically demanding teams to play against, they appeared astonished by the intensity of Leeds. They had to equal that energy, which United failed to accomplish.
The fact that they are facing a team that has recently fired its manager twice in as many days is potentially detrimental for them. Such a choice can cause a reaction, and Leeds United will benefit from the new manager's energy, which will help them soar in their two most important games of the year.
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