Leeds United 2-4 Manchester United: Player ratings & man of the match as Red Devils win cracker at Elland Road

Manchester United came out as the victors in a six-goal cracker at Elland Road, although crowd issues did mar what was an absorbing contest with Leeds United.

It was United who went in at half-time 2-0 ahead when Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes both scored headers, but Leeds responded superbly in the second half and were back on level terms by the 54th minute.

Rodrigo curled the ball over the head of David De Gea for Leeds’ first, before Raphinha slid in at the back post to make it 2-2.

Then United wrestled back control of the game after a double change, with both Fred and Anthony Elanga finding the back of the net.

There were several unsavory incidents during the game, with objects thrown at the United players after they celebrated their goals.

Manchester United player ratings

David De Gea- 7

The goalkeeper made four good saves in the game, the best of which was to keep out Mateusz Klich’s dipping effort in the 82nd minute. Despite being chipped for Rodrigo’s goal, there was little De Gea could do about the effort which fortuitously found the top corner.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka- 6

Grew into the game after a slow start, and the rain assisted those trademark slide tackles. However, Wan-Bisska didn’t react well to the sodden playing surface and the former Crystal Palace man didn’t seem too keen on advancing with the ball when in possession.

Victor Lindelof- 7

It was the Swede’s run that started off the move which led to Fernandes’s header in injury-time and it wasn’t the first time the defender had advanced with the ball at Elland Road. Lindelof was excellent defensively as well and was unfortunate to miss out on our man of the match award.

Harry Maguire- 7

After the questions surrounding his captaincy in the week, and the Yorkshireman responded in the best way possible by heading in the opener on 33 minutes. Overall it was a good game from Maguire, who delivered several timely headers and tackles.

Luke Shaw- 6

Provided the cross for Maguire’s goal in the opening period, but the left-back then switched off for Raphinha’s equaliser after the break. Like a few United players, he improved as the second half continued.

Scott McTominay- 6

Put in some strong challenges throughout the game, and his robust shoulder barge resulted in Robin Koch having to be replaced. His slide tackle on Joe Gelhardt saw the midfielder pick up a booking, but McTominay’s physicality was essential against a tough Leeds midfield, and it helped the Red Devils win back some control after conceding two.

Paul Pogba- 7 (off 67)

The Frenchman was excellent during the first half and it was his skill that ultimately set up United’s corner from which Maguire scored, while his cross nearly resulted in Cristiano Ronaldo having a first-half tap-in. But Pogba failed to have the same effect in the second period as his defensive frailties showed again.

Bruno Fernandes- 6

Nodded in to give United a two-goal lead just before the break, while he also went close with an effort on 33 minutes. It was another energetic display from Fernandes, who popped up all over the pitch. The No.18 set up Elanga’s late goal after a fantastic individual dribble.

Jesse Lingard- 4 (off 67)

Starting his fist league game for United in over two years, Lingard struggled to make an impact on the game, and it was no surprise to see him hauled off in the second half. Lingard’s weakness in possession also contributed to Leeds’ opener.

Cristiano Ronaldo- 4 (off 85)

It was a difficult afternoon for the striker, who really is enduring a prolonged slump in form at present. Other than having a shot saved in the 26th minute and flicking the ball into Jadon Sacho’s path for a chance in the second period, Ronaldo failed to play a huge role in the game.

Jadon Sancho- 7

Set up Fernandes’s header and Fred’s strike, and was lively throughout the game. He played more from the right in the first half, but caused Leeds real issues down the left after the break. Sancho went close with an effort in the 65th minute and continued his good recent form. After an impressive showing, it’s the England international who is our man of the match.

Fred- 7 (on 67)

Helped United wrestle back control in a game that was slipping away from them in the second half. His goal could really have been the pivotal one in this game and it took the balance of power away from the hosts.

Anthony Elanga- 7 (on 67)

Added an attacking threat that Lingard hadn’t offered, and had two decent chances in the second half, one of which he did excellently to pass through the legs of Illan Meslier.

Raphael Varane (on 85)

Leeds United player ratings

Meslier 5; Ayling 5, Llorente 5 (Gelhart 46; 6), Struijk 6, Dallas 6, Koch 7 (Firpo 31;6), Forshaw 7; James 6, Klich 6, Harrison 4 (Raphinha 46;6); Rodrigo 6.