Manchester United squandered a commanding lead at Leeds United but still won 4-2 in the end. Two jokers made sure of that.
The Whites greeted Manchester at Elland Road with their trademark intensity, but only for a couple of minutes. Nevertheless, Harrison had a very good chance from seven yards early on (5th). The Red Devils found their feet in the game a little later, but then visibly set the tone.
Koch has to go down after head injury
Pogba created the first chance, but played the ball into the back of Cristiano Ronaldo, who shot at Meslier from close range (26). After Leeds had to replace the head injured Koch (30.), the visitors struck after a corner: The much criticised Maguire headed in for a deserved lead (34.). Sancho almost added to the tally before the break (39th), which Bruno Fernandes did with a header (45.+5).
Two goals conceded in 57 seconds
As in the first period, the Whites got off to a flying start in the second – and this time events came thick and fast: First, Rodrigo Moreno slipped a cross in such a way that the ball went over de Gea and into the far corner (53rd). And only 57 seconds later, substitute Raphinha straddled a crossfield pass to make it 2:2 – suddenly everything was open again in the heavy rain in Leeds.
In between the straddling and switching moments, Ralf Rangnick’s eleven continued to present the better approaches. Finally, in a counterattack, it was Joker Fred who beat Meslier in the short corner and put the Red Devils back in the lead (70.). Sancho and Co. played out further counterattacks carelessly.
But because Leeds could not find another answer despite a great effort and with Elanga, another visiting joker, scoring successfully (88th), Manchester United walked away victorious against one of their favourite opponents – Leeds have been waiting for a three-pointer against the Red Devils for seven games. United thus secured fourth place for the time being.
