This was the 1st of three tough games in the space of 6 days for Leeds United, as they looked to edge nearer safety against a Manchester United team looking to get a firm grip on 4th.
It was also the 1st game between these two in front of a full Elland Road in 18 years, the atmosphere on TV sounded amazing even though it was chucking it down with rain. Pressure was on Leeds a little after Saturday’s results.
How would this game between the two United’s go?
It was at an atmospheric and rain sodden Elland Road.
After two minutes, good Leeds play but James was offside.
Three minutes later, a floated pass and Leeds played on but Harrison shot over.
After 10 minutes, the 1st Man United attack as Pogba ran at the defence and his shot was saved by Meslier.
Midway through the 1st half, Sancho’s cross was too high for Ronaldo, hen Leeds attack came to nothing.
Two minutes later, good Leeds play and Forshaw’s shot inside area with power parried away by De Gea.
After 26 minutes, Pogba beat his man into box and crossed for Ronaldo who looked to have a tap-in but somehow Meslier saved superbly to keep him out.
1st Manchester United goal 1st goal from a corner in 140 attempts for Man United
Just after the half hour, Sancho ran into defence and Fernandes shot was blocked. Fernandes then shot outside box which was saved by Meslier for a corner, Shaw took it and Maguire headed past Meslier into the net and at the 140th attempt this season, Man United finally scored from a corner.
After 39 minutes, decent play by Man United and Sancho’s shot inside area went over.
Two minutes later, Forshaw’s shot went over, then a mistake by Llorente as he miskicked it out for a corner which came to nothing.
In the first minute of stoppage time, nice Leeds play and Klich’s shot went way over.
2nd Man United goal- Header by Fernandes
In the 3rd minute of stoppage time, Lindelof ran a long way, Sancho crossed and Fernandes headed into the bottom corner.
Halftime score: Leeds United 0-2 Manchester United
It was a rainy 1st half and the ball wasn’t moving as quick as you would expect it to, Leeds not able to play their usual style, Man United scored two headers to take control, how would 2nd half begin?
Well the rain kept coming in the 2nd half.
A minute into the second half, Leeds won ball back Klich’s shot deflected off Shaw for a corner which came to nothing.
1st Leeds goal -cross turned shot
After 53 minutes, Leeds were back in it as Firpo won the ball back, Rodrigo ran and then his cross looped over De Gea and went into the back of the net, no-one was expecting that, would it give Leeds a lift?
2nd Leeds goal- slide in by Raphinha
After 55 minutes, Leeds attacked again, Dallas won the ball back, Fernandes looked to have been fouled but ref played on, James crossed and Raphinha was there to slide in, Leeds in the space of 55 seconds were level and Elland Road found its voice again.
Just after the hour, Gelhardt’s shot from outside the area was easily saved by De Gea.
Four minutes later, good Man United play as Lindelof ran, Ronaldo passed for Sancho whose shot blocked by Dallas for a corner which came to nothing.
3rd Man United goal – Nice play by Man United
With twenty minutes remaining, good play by Man United, Ronaldo passed to Sancho who passed to Fred inside the area whose shot inside the area with power and beat Meslier at near post.
Two minutes later, Man United broke and Sancho played Elanga in whose shot easily saved by Meslier.
After 74 minutes, Klich’s shot straight at De Gea.
With just under 10 minutes left, Leeds freekick cleared as far as Klich whose volley tipped over by De Gea for a corner which came to nothing.
Two minutes later, Rodrigo’s speculative effort way over.
4th Man United goal – good skill by Fernandes
After 88 minutes, Fernandes did a overhead flick, he played Elanga in who nutmegged Meslier for finish the game off.
Fulltime score: Leeds United 2-4 Manchester United
It was an unusual but a thrilling 2nd half as Manchester United got a crucial three points to go 4 points clear of West Ham in the race for 4th, Leeds stay 5 points above the relegation zone on 23 points, but could be a nervy end to the season for Leeds fans.
In many ways, it was a old school type of game with the rain, and the sliding tackles.
Highlights of this game are at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_tym2555Qc
Next for Leeds is a rearranged trip to Merseyside to play Liverpool on Wednesday 23rd February 2022 with a 7:45pm kickoff and for Manchester United, they have a trip to Spain to take on Atletico Madrid in the 1st leg of their last 16 tie in the Champions League also on Wednesday 23rd February 2022 with a 8pm kickoff.
