On Wednesday night in the Premier League at Old Trafford against managerless Leeds, Manchester United rallied from two goals behind to salvage a point.
Manchester United entered the game looking for their 14th straight home victory across all competitions, but they were unable to score the game-winning goal against Leeds in the first of two consecutive matches. They are still undefeated at home after 16 games, but were left wondering what could have been if they had seized their opportunity.
Within 56 seconds, Leeds United had taken the lead after Willy Gnonto's near-post strike after the high-tempo pressing approach had gotten Manchester United out of possession. The hosts made an effort to respond, but Alejandro Garnacho missed two excellent chances, while Marcel Sabitzer's three shots were unsuccessful.
Raphael Varane got a terrible deflection off of Crysencio Summerville's low cross nearly immediately after the half to beat David de Gea at the near post and make it 2-0. Erik ten Hag made two substitutions, substituting Jadon Sancho and Facundo Pellistri for the ineffective Wout Weghorst and Garnacho, and was immediately vindicated.
Marcus Rashford was at the end of the box to receive a cross from Diogo Dalot after assuming Weghorst's position in the middle of the box. Rashford rose highest to head the ball into the bottom corner and extend his remarkable run of success in front of goal. After holding a loose ball for eight minutes, Jadon Sancho scored his first goal since September 15 by curling past Illan Meslier and into the bottom corner.
Varane's header was deflected over by Meslier as Leeds held on to earn a crucial point in their fight against relegation.
Observations
* Man United exhibits old habits
Since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement, one thing the Red Devils have become accustomed to is their inconsistency. They mount pressure on opponents and win about five to six games in a row, then fall back to their poor form, and then get fired up again to repeat the process.
Thanks to Erik Ten Hag, we haven't really witnessed that since he has been appointed, but this trait is still present in the team and was evidently exhibited during Manchester United's 2-2 draw against Leeds United on Wednesday night.
Although it should be considered that the players are dealing with a hectic schedule and heavy work load, a momentary lack of focus, sluggish starts to games, and unnecessary mistakes are traits that still linger within the squad.
* Key players' absence weighs heavily.
Erik Ten Hag had to go into the Wednesday night game without several of his first team stars. Christian Eriksen, Antony, Casemiro, and Scott McTomina
The first three players mentioned have highly influenced how Manchester United plays, especially the duo of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro, who dictate game tempo and disrupt the opponent's build-up play.
Marcel Sabitzer was great coming in for Casemiro or Eriksen, but the Austrian failed to fill their boots. The 28-year-old has his own qualities as an energetic and entertaining box-to-box player, but he is not a like-for-like replacement for Manchester United's most influential midfield duo,
Manchester United continues to struggle to win games in Casemiro's absence, and that proves how vital the Brazilian has become since his £60 million transfer from Santiago Bernabeu.
* The battle for the right back will go haywire.
A funny but all-serious battle is going on between Wan Bissaka and Diogo Dalot for the outright starter for the right back position at Old Trafford.
Prior to the World Cup, Diogo Dalot was undroppable as he showed he was the best man for Erik Ten Hag's football style due to his attacking attributes, while Wan Bissaka nursed injuries and sat on the team's bench on match day.
The Portuguese picked up an injury while he was still with the Portugal national team in Qatar and has struggled with it since 2022. Wan Bissaka had come in to replace the 23-year-old
The England international didn't fail to remind the fans why he was the best tackler in the league and how hard it was to get past him. He was also quick to impress Erik Ten Hag and showed he has improved attack skills.
Diogo Dalot had to start against Leeds United after Erik Ten Hag explained that Wan Bissaka missed the game due to illness. Although Man United struggled to earn a draw from the game, Diogo Dalot got an assist and reminded the Old Trafford faithful and the manager of his attacking prowess and why he deserves the right back position ahead of Wan Bissak.
* Jadon Sancho announces his return
What a way to get a message across. Jadon Sancho has been out for over two months due to injury and personal issues. This raised questions about the 22-year-old's immediate future at Old Trafford.
after making his match-day squad return in Manchester United's 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup semi-finals second leg. The England international returned to the team's match-day squad for the Premier League
He was given the nod by Erik Ten Hag with the Red Devils trailing the visitors 2-0. Alongside Facundo Pellistri, the game changed dynamically as United fought their way back into the game. Jadon Sancho found the back of the net in the 71st minute to draw Manchester United level.
*Red-hot Marcus Rashford
That makes it 12 goals in 14 games for the England international since the World Cup. His goal against Leeds United also takes his tally to 20 goals. His best goalscoring season was the 2019-2020 season under Ole Solskjaer's management, when he scored 22 goals across all competitions.
He has scored in his last six home games at Old Trafford in all competitions, and the 25-year-old doesn't look like he is stopping anytime soon.
* Mixed emotions for Erik Ten Hag at half time
The Manchester United manager had conflicting emotions as he considered both the good and the bad from his perspective as a full-time employee.
On the one hand, they had lost 2-0 to a team in the Premier League that had gone seven games without a victory. They had been penalized for their passivity in the opening minutes of both halves.
On the other hand, despite setbacks from injuries, they had recovered from a two-goal deficit. Rashford had kept up his scoring spree, and Sancho had contributed as a substitute.
*A new manager bounce
Fans already laid out their fears ahead of Leeds United's visit to Old Trafford following the sacking of manager Jesse Marsch.
Fans feared Erik Ten Hag's side would have to deal with the same demons of their loss to Aston Villa and Arsenal's loss to Everton after both clubs appointed new managers.
Fans' fears manifested as the Red Devils fell behind in the very first minute of the game. The visitors extended their lead in the second half, but Erik Ten Hag's men fought back to protect their personalities and settled for a draw.
Leeds United hadn't won a game in their last 7 games before visiting Old Trafford, but almost put Man United to the sword and caused an upset.
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