Antony Elanga netted the winner against relegation-threatened Leeds United despite an impressive 24 second double from the hosts. 

Still searching for their first win since the 16th of January Marcelo Bielsa’s side weren’t up to pace inside the first-half but following two attacking minded substitutions at the break sparked a potential comeback. 

Despite some positives to take from today’s fixture, pressure will be rising as Burnley, Newcastle and Watford have picked up important points throughout this game week. 

  • Story of the match

It was Jack Harrison who opened up the chances early on, after a controversial decision to deny Aaron Wan-Bissaka a foul, Mateusz Klich took advantage of this by setting up Harrison at the back-post which rocketed into the side-netting. 

Following a lengthy stop in play as Robin Koch was receiving treatment Leeds had their first effort on goal. Adam Forshaw skipped past Victor Lindelöf’s challenge and struck the ball towards the David De Gea’s left side but the Spanish international saved well. 

The away side looked certain to take the advantage half-way through the second half as Paul Pogba’s impressive pass enabled Cristiano Ronaldo to have an opportunity 5-yards out. Illan Meslier pulled off an crucial diving-stop to keep the deadlock intact. 

Harry Maguire broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute as he netted Manchester United’s first corner goal this season. Luke Shaw whipped the ball into the penalty area which was headed into the gaping goal. 

Bruno Fernandes doubled the visitors lead on the brink of half-time. A moment of magic from Lindelöf who made an unexpected run across half the pitch before allowing Jadon Sancho space to cross the ball. The floated pass met the midfielder and was powerfully headed past Meslier

LEEDS, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 20: Bruno Fernandes of <strong><a  data-cke-saved-href='https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2022/02/20/premier-league/1102583-the-key-quotes-from-marcelo-bielsas-pre-manchester-united-press-conference.html' href='https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2022/02/20/premier-league/1102583-the-key-quotes-from-marcelo-bielsas-pre-manchester-united-press-conference.html'>Manchester United</a></strong> scores their team's second goal during the <b><a  data-cke-saved-href='https://www.vavel.com/en/data/premier-league' href='https://www.vavel.com/en/data/premier-league'>Premier League</a></b> match between Leeds United and <strong><a  data-cke-saved-href='https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2022/02/20/premier-league/1102583-the-key-quotes-from-marcelo-bielsas-pre-manchester-united-press-conference.html' href='https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2022/02/20/premier-league/1102583-the-key-quotes-from-marcelo-bielsas-pre-manchester-united-press-conference.html'>Manchester United</a></strong> at Elland Road on February 20, 2022 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
LEEDS, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 20: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United scores their team's second goal during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Manchester United at Elland Road on February 20, 2022 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

The visitors made two attacking substitutions at the break, Raphael Dias Belloli (Raphina) and Joe Gelhardt came on in attempt to minimize the two-goal deficit. 

Leeds started the second-half in perfect fashion, Rodrigo Moreno aimed for Raphina at the back-post but his misplaced cross cured into the top-right corner. Leaving De Gea flatfooted. 

24 seconds later the hosts completed flipped the rivalry on its head and completed magnificent comeback courtesy on half time substitute Raphina. The former Red-Devil Daniel James executed an impressive lay-off which narrowly beat Shaw at the back-post as the Brazilian tapped it home. 

Manchester United kept pushing forward despite this double sucker punch, Ronaldo held up brilliantly just outside the 18-yard area before feeding the overlap of Sancho. The winger’s effort was blocked well by Stuart Dallas and was deflected for a corner. 

A masterclass substitution from Ralf Rangnick as Frederico Rodrigues de Paula Santos (Fred) replaced Pogba and moments later he restored the Red Devils lead. A well worked goal was finished off when Sancho claimed his second assist of the game after supplying Fred on the left-side of the penalty box which was powerfully struck into the near post.

LEEDS, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 20: Anthony Elanga of Manchester United celebrates with fans after their sides victory during the <b><a  data-cke-saved-href='https://www.vavel.com/en/data/premier-league' href='https://www.vavel.com/en/data/premier-league'>Premier League</a></b> match between Leeds United and Manchester United at Elland Road on February 20, 2022 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LEEDS, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 20: Anthony Elanga of Manchester United celebrates with fans after their sides victory during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Manchester United at Elland Road on February 20, 2022 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

 

Elanga squashed any Leeds hopes of a last-minute equaliser. Fernandes intercepted Pascal Struijk in a dangerous position and decided to slip in the Swedish-winger in-attempt to claim his second Premier League goal. The United youngster remained calm and placed the ball underneath the goalkeeper.  

Unfortunately for the home side, despite a much-improved and passionate second-half performance Elanga and Fred’s goals ignite more pressure on the Leeds camp as they only sit five points above the drop. 

 

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