Manchester United came from two goals down to earn a point against Leeds United on Wednesday night in the Premier League.
It was an action-packed, often end-to-end match, with Leeds two goals ahead after an hour, before the Red Devils fought back with goals from Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho making it 2-2.
It took just 56 seconds for the visitors to grab the game’s opening goal, after Wilfried Gnonto played a one-two pass with Patrick Bamford on the edge of the box before striking the ball fiercely into the back of the net. Leeds also missed a great chance soon after when Pascal Struijk’s header at the back post was saved by David de Gea.
But United grew into the game after the opening quarter of an hour and Marcel Sabitzer and Alejandro Garnacho missed good chances in the box, with neither hitting the target. The latter also saw a shot cleared off the line on 26 minutes when he rounded Illan Meslier and fired towards goal, only for Maximillian Wober to get back in time to head wide.
The Leeds keeper was having a busy night and he was forced into action to deny Raphael Varane’s near-post flick and Sabitzer’s curled effort from the edge of the box. Diogo Dalot also saw his shot blocked in first-half injury-time.
Yet, after being the better side in the opening period, United began the second half in the same manner as first. The Whites netted within a few minutes of the game getting back under way, with Varane inadvertently touching the ball into his own goal following Crysencio Summerville’s low cross into the box.
Rashford had two shots which failed to hit the target after Varane’s own-goal, but he handed the Red Devils a lifeline on 62 minutes when he rose highest in the box and excellently headed in from a Diogo Daot cross.
It was non-stop action in the second half, with both sides having chances. Brenden Aaranson hit the post with a free-kick and Luke Ayling shot over, before Bruno Fernandes saw an effort blocked by Wober in the box.
But on 70 minutes Erik ten Hag’s side got back on level terms when Luke Shaw’s cross deflected back into the path of Sancho. The former Borussia Dortmund attacker took a touch and then curled a shot towards goal, which squirmed through the arms of Meslier and into the back of the net.
As the game moved into the latter stages United were well on top, and Meslier kept out a Varane header, Fernandes blazed over with his left foot, and on 87 minutes Rashford went close with a near-post flick. But as the game moved into injury-time, Fred had United’s best chances with a shot that was blocked and another which Meslier saved.
Here’s how we rated the players after a frantic night at Old Trafford...
It took just 56 seconds for the visitors to grab the game’s opening goal, after Wilfried Gnonto played a one-two pass with Patrick Bamford on the edge of the box before striking the ball fiercely into the back of the net. Leeds also missed a great chance soon after when Pascal Struijk’s header at the back post was saved by David de Gea.
5. Luke Shaw- 8
Excellent in the second half and repeatedly started United attacks with his forward runs. Shaw also set up Sancho’s goal.
6. Marcel Sabitzer- 6 (off 82)
Hit and miss from the the Austrian at the base of United’s midfield. Had some good moments but his passing was sloppy on a few occasions.
7. Fred- 3
Gave the ball away far too often and looked less composed without Casemiro alongside him.
8. Bruno Fernandes- 6
Brought plenty of energy but less control than was needed in such a high-energy match. Played better in the final 30 minutes.