Ralf Rangnick felt what's like to play in Leeds United - Manchester United derby for the first time since he took over and it ended in victory for him at the Elland Road. That win made sure Manchester United stay ahead of West Ham who lies in 5th place by 4 points. Bielsa has never won against Manchester United since he took over Leeds United and his only win against Manchester United was as far back as 2012 when he was in charge of Athletic Bilbao during the Europa League encounter.
This game was a classic derby match because it lived up to its billing in every department. Manchester United has been known to dominate only one half of the game, precisely the first half and their opponents always take charge of the second. It looked like it would be the same again for this encounter after Manchester United raced to a 2-0 before the halftime whistle went.
Harry Maguire gave United the lead and it was a funny one because it took Manchester United over 169 set-pieces before they could manage to score that one header from a corner kick by Harry Maguire. It was also an improved performance from Harry Maguire who has been subject to taunts and speculation of being stripped of the captain's armband due to his terrible form. He picked the right time to redeem himself with the fans as he steered his header into the back of the net with ease. He is also the first player to score at Elland Road since Roy Keane did many years ago.
Meslier performance should have been better but there is little he could have done sometimes in some situations. He has only kept 3 clean sheets this season and his poor judgement with a pass almost cost his team. He did brilliantly well to deny Ronaldo later in the game too but United proved too strong for Leeds United despite their second-half charge.
A lot can be said regarding Manchester United as they have 2 players whose contract would run down by the end of the season in the lineup; Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard. A lot has been said about United not being firm and most people even said they shouldn't have started both players because it makes United look desperate but we can't deny the quality of Paul Pogba and he showed that with a spirited performance for the 67 minutes he spent on the pitch before being replaced.
He took players on, beat his markers, made decisive passes for Ronaldo which the goalkeeper saved and another for Bruno Fernandes which the goalkeeper pushed for a corner kick which eventually led to the first goal.
There is this hunger about Fernandes. He was all over the pitch and was determined to keep the momentum going. He scored the second goal with a lovely header after a brilliant effort from Lindelof. Lindelof ran from the back before passing to Sancho whose one-time ball into the box picked out Bruno Fernandes as he headed the ball home. It was well taken headed goals it took Manchester United to beat Meslier between the sticks.
Leeds United rallied in the second half and Raphinha who is Leeds top scorer had to be introduced at halftime and it made all the difference as he scored the second goal a minute after Rodrigo's cross cum shot found the back of the net. It was a brilliant blitz goal from Leeds as they pegged Manchester United back with 2 goals in quick succession.
Manchester United made their substitution too and it was Fred who restored United's lead with a near-post finish. Another substitute made the score sheet as well with Elanga making up for his earlier miss to make it 4-2 for United after a brilliant overhead flick by Bruno Fernandes set him up. Leeds United has now lost by 3 goals and this is the 3rd game running now.
Sancho no doubt deserved the Man of the Match award after he made 21 passes in the final third, more than everyone. He created 3 chances and got 2 assists in the process. He recovered possession 9 times even though Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka won more than him in that department.
He has started showing his influence for this United side with his decision making, clever passes, runs and taking on defenders. He has been consistently making the right choices when it comes to finding his teammates and this is his 3rd Man of the Match award after Burnley and Southampton.
Manchester United needed that win before heading over to face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League even though Atletico are suffering from injuries, loss of form and covid effect. Hopefully, Manchester United can take advantage of that.
Thank you for your time.
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