Manchester United survived blowing another half-time lead to open up a four-point advantage in the race for a top-four finish in the Premier League with a thrilling
4-2 win at relegation-threatened Leeds.
Harry Maguire responded to questions over his status as captain of the Red Devils by opening the scoring on 34 minutes before Bruno Fernandes added a second on the stroke of half-time.
Lost leads have been a feature of Ralf Rangnick’s interim spell in charge and United were punished by another slow start to a second half as Rodrigo’s fortunate cross and substitute Raphinha brought Leeds level.
However, United this time bounced back to find a winner when Fred smashed in 20 minutes from time before Anthony Elanga sealed the points late on.
United’s first visit in19 years
This was United’s first league visit to Elland Road in front of a capacity crowd in 19 years and the visitors were met with a hostile atmosphere and a tricky pitch due to incessant rain.
Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa described keeping his club in the top-flight as “an obligation” this week but took the bold decision to drop top scorer Raphinha to the bench after subbing the Brazilian at half-time in last week’s 3-0 defeat at Everton.
Another ragged defensive display leaves Bielsa’s men still just five points above the relegation zone and with a daunting trip to Liverpool to come in midweek.
Ronaldo ended his worst goal drought for 13 years in midweek against Brighton and missed a glorious chance to open the scoring when llan Meslier spread himself brilliantly to deny the Portuguese a tap in from point-blank range.
Instead it was Maguire who broke the deadlock and United’s run of failing to score from a corner for over a year with a powerfu header from Luke Shaw’s delivery.
Stories that Cristiano Ronald was set to replace Maguire as United captain for the rest of the season were dismissed as “nonsense’ by Rangnick earlier last week.
Leeds have conceded 11 goals in their two visits to Old Trafford in the past two seasons and their wide open style was allowing United to slice through with ease
on the counter-attack once more.
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