Man United defeated Leeds 2-0 on Sunday and David de Gea reflected on the performance after the game at Elland Road.
De Gea kept a clean sheet. (Image: MUTV)
David de Gea has praised Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford for breaking the deadlock for Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.
Although United and Leeds were evenly matched throughout the game, with both sides lacking quality, Marcus Rashford was able to break the deadlock in the 80th minute before substitute Alejandro Garnacho made sure of the three points.
Rashford has now scored 21 goals in all competitions, which means he’s just one goal short of equalling his best-ever tally of 22 goals from the 2019/20 season, despite the halfway point of the current campaign only recently passing.
After the match, De Gea heaped the praise on Shaw, who produced the assist for the opening goal with an excellent cross, and Rashford, the goalscorer with a strong header, for their role in securing a ‘special win’ at Elland Road.
“It was everything, from the beginning of the game, we knew we’d come to a very difficult pitch, but we fought until the end,” De Gea told MUTV when asked if determination and resilience were the key qualities in the match.
“We knew the first 10 minutes of both halves were massive, so keep a clean sheet, big for us, and then we score two goals. It’s a special game and a special win. We knew the first goal was important and it was a perfect cross from Luke Shaw.
“He is playing very well and then Rashy, who is on fire, is scoring lots of goals, helping the team, running, pressing and I think he’s playing at the top level, so a massive goal for us and then we controlled the game.
“We could have scored another couple of goals.”
2 things Erik ten Hag got wrong as Man United edged past Leeds – and 1 he got right
Manchester United produced a snatch and grab display late on against Leeds United as goals from Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho secured victory at Elland Road
Late goals from Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho rescued a victory for Manchester United at Leeds United on Sunday.
Erik ten Hag’s side were frustrated for most of the match as they struggled to create chances and make a breakthrough at Elland Road. However, two goals in the final 10 minutes snatched all three points for the Red Devils as they leapfrogged Manchester City into second place.
Marcus Rashford scored as Manchester United snatched a late win (Image: Getty Images)
With that in mind, here is what Ten Hag got right and wrong as United’s resurgence this season continued.
Lack of creativity
Manchester United were frustrated by Leeds United (Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
United struggled to create meaningful chances at Elland Road during a frustrating afternoon.
Failed to have a shot on target until the closing stages of the first half, with Bruno Fernandes denied by Illan Meslier. Chance only came about following an error from Maximilian Wober.
The Red Devils’ difficulties saw the defence resort to long balls over the top in an attempt to gain an advantage. Unable to make use of Wout Weghorst’s hold up play and the pace of Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho on the wings.
Defensive changes
The Red Devils’ difficulties saw the defence resort to long balls over the top in an attempt to gain an advantage. Unable to make use of Wout Weghorst’s hold up play and the pace of Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho on the wings.
Defensive changes
Erik ten Hag opted to alter his defence following Wednesday’s home draw against Leeds, with Maguire and Tyrell Malacia coming in for Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane.
The changes also saw Shaw slot into the centre of defence alongside Maguire. However, the new-look defence struggled to contain the Leeds forwards and were under constant pressure from the home side.
Better finishing could have seen United fall several goals behind before the interval, with Leeds getting in behind on multiple occasions during the match.
Second half substitutions
Alejandro Garnacho came off the bench to score (Image: Getty Images)
Having picked up on his side’s difficulties creating chances, Ten Hag replaced Jadon Sancho with Garnacho during the second half.
Lisandro Martinez also came on at the same time, allowing Luke Shaw to move to his usual left-back position. The tactical changed proved inspired as both United goals came down that flank.
First Rashford put the visitors ahead before Garnacho put the result beyond any doubt with a second goal in a matter of minutes.
Source: dailystar.co.uk; manchestereveningnews.co.uk
