Leeds 2-4 Manchester United: Three Talking Points From Six-Goal Thriller

Manchester United came out on top in a proper old school game at Elland Road.

After dominating the opening 45 minutes, United lost their heads and let a two-goal lead slip in 24 seconds through Rodrigo and Raphinha in the second half. But changes from Ralf Rangnick helped the visitors get their act together, and substitutes Fred and Anthony Elanga regained their two goal lead to register a 4-2 win.

Here are the three talking points from a thrilling encounter between the two fierce rivals.

1. United Finally Score from a Corner

Harry Maguire drew the first blood by getting on the end of Luke Shaw’s corner in the 34th minute. The fact United took the lead didn’t surprise many because of their performance, but the way they went ahead was certainly unexpected considering their abysmal record from set pieces.

They managed to score from a corner for the first time in 140 attempts this season.

 

2. Rangnick’s Side Can’t Defend… after the Break

The Red Devils seem at their most vulnerable after the break. Every goal that they have conceded after the winter break has come inside the first 20 minutes of the second half.

After getting punished against Middlesbrough, Burnley, and Southampton for switching off early in the second half, they somehow managed to get all three points against Leeds.

Rangnick needs to assess his half-time team talk before this becomes a norm for rival teams to exploit.

 

3. Jadon Sancho has Arrived

Sancho took a while to settle in the Premier League, but now he’s starting to make things happen for United. After scoring twice in his last four games, he became his side’s creator-in-chief against Leeds, creating three chances and managing two assists on Sunday afternoon.

The way he kept the ball, waiting for his teammates to make a run, before finding Fred for United’s third goal was a great example of his world class decision making.