Man Utd survive Leeds comeback in six-goal thriller
Manchester United survived a stirring Leeds United comeback at an emotional Elland Road to put themselves back in the Premier League’s top four with a crucial victory.
In the first game in front of fans between the two old rivals at Elland Road since October 2003, they produced a fitting spectacle played out in a deluge and a predictably thunderous atmosphere.
Manchester United gathered themselves, manager Ralf Rangnick made changes, and one of his substitutes produced the rewards as Fred drove in at Illan Meslier’s near post following more good work by Sancho with 20 minutes left – although Anthony Elanga was struck by objects thrown from the crowd amid the celebrations.
Elanga recovered to confirm Manchester United’s win with a composed finish two minutes from time from Fernandes’ pass.
Red Devils take tough road to victory
Manchester United’s victory came in three phases – the control of the first half, the shock of Leeds United’s quick one-two, then the recovery to finally close out the victory they deserved.
This was always going to be a test of mettle and for a spell after the break when Leeds scored those two quick goals and were winning all the 50-50s in this most raucous of environments, it looked like they would not come through the examination unscathed.
Manchester United’s players looked shell-shocked at the turn of events that allowed Leeds, who looked deflated at half-time, to revive themselves and even threaten a victory that would have been the sweetest of all for the home fans, who made their dislike of the visitors clear before, during and after this game.
Manager Rangnick, however, deserves credit for the changes that restored Manchester United’s equilibrium, Fred coming on to put them back in front and another substitute, Elanga, snuffing out any hope Leeds had of a point with the fourth.
Manchester United will feel they deserved the win over the whole piece, but they were still fragile at times and were rocking under Leeds attacks until Fred silenced the crowd, albeit temporarily.
There were unsavoury scenes when Elanga needed to be attended to after being hit by missiles thrown from the crowd after Fred’s goal, but he was able to regain his composure to such an extent that he struck the final blow in the closing moments.
Manchester United enjoyed their second win in a week, moving back into the top four, but will know they need to keep winning with Arsenal four points behind in sixth with three games in hand.