Leeds United vs Manchester United: Ralf Rangnick's side prevail in tough conditions at Elland Road

Manchester United now have 46 points from 26 games and are currently sitting at fourth place in the points tally.

Manchester United players celebrate a goal; Credit: Twitter@ManUtd
By Karthik Raman | Feb 20, 2022 | 3 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Manchester United bounced back from an early setback in the second half to register an emphatic 4-2 victory against Leeds United at Elland Road in the Premier League on Sunday. At the start of the second half, the Reds were sitting in a comfortable position, leading 2-0. But two goals in no time at the beginning of the second period allowed the home side to get back into the match. However, Ralf Rangnick’s side did not give up under pressure, as they scored two goals deep in the half to record an important victory that could prove crucial in the top four race. After wins for Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal on Saturday, Manchester United were in desperate need of three points.

However, things were not easy at the start of the match. Buoyed by the loud Elland Road atmosphere, the home side competed on equal footing with their much-fancied opponents. However, the visitors grew into the game as the match went on. Manchester United had the first big opportunity in the 26th minute when Cristiano Ronaldo was presented with a glorious chance from inside the six yards box. Paul Pogba had beaten Adam Forshaw and fired in a low cross. However, to the visiting fans’ dismay, Illan Meslier incredibly stopped that ball from going inside the goal.

Nonetheless, Manchester United did not have to wait long to score the opener. United scored from a rare corner when Harry Maguire got the better of Diego Llorente to power home a header. From that point, the visitors looked to be in complete control of the half. Their dominance paid off deep into the stoppage time when a quick counter-attacking move saw Jadon Sancho beautifully setting up Bruno Fernandes to double the visitors’ advantage.

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Leeds United vs Manchester United: Action-packed second half

Manchester United were in total control at the start of the second period but their lead did not last long. Out of nowhere, Rodrigo’s hopeful left-footed cross somehow ended up beating David de Gea to give the home side a massive lifeline back in the game. In no time, the Reds’ misery doubled. Former Manchester United player Daniel James hit an inviting low cross to the far post for Raphinha to turn home the equaliser. 

It was a double blow for Manchester United, but Rangnick’s side managed to find a way back into the match. The interim manager has to be given the credit for making two timely substitutions, who came on to score a goal each. Substitute Fred got on the end of a brilliant move to put United back in front in the 70th minute. Another substitute, Anthony Elanga, put the game beyond the home side’s reach in the 89th minute. 

Manchester United now have 46 points from 26 games and are currently sitting at fourth place in the points tally. However, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal have games in their hands.





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