Manchester United scored two late goals in the space of five minutes as they beat managerless Leeds United to temporarily move to second in the Premier League standings.
Leeds were the better of the two sides on the day, but were unable to convert several chances as the Red Devils dug deep and left him late.
Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho each scored one to put pressure on the Elland Road side, who are now just one point above safety.
Leeds miss early chances
Leeds should have taken the lead early in the game, but Crysencio Summervile fired well over the crossbar after Patrick Bamford’s effort was initially saved by David De Gea.
Summerville was at fault again just on the stroke of half-time when De Gea again saved his opening shot but the rebound fell to the Leeds winger who missed the mark.
Manchester United should have gone into half time with a 1-0 lead, but Bruno Fernandes was denied a one-on-one chance by Illan Meslier after the Portuguese took advantage of a mistake by Leeds defender Maximilian Wober.
Leeds came out with all cylinders firing in the second half. Jack Harrison took advantage of a Harry Maguire mistake, but the 26-year-old Englishman dragged his shot wide of the goal.
Minutes later Luke Ayling’s half-volley was deflected on his way out. Diego Dalot hit the bar from the edge of the box shortly after the hour mark, but it was all Leeds as United failed to gain momentum in the middle of the park.
Late Manchester United goals
Against the grain of the game, Rashford gave United the lead on 80 minutes following a brilliant cross from Luke Shaw from the left after a delicious turnaround from January signing Marcel Sabitzer. It was Rahsford’s 21st goal of the season.
Garnacho then made it 2-0 in the 85th minute with an explosive run from inside the left channel after being intercepted neatly by Wout Weghorst.
Rashford and Weghorst were each denied a goal due to an offside in the dying minutes of the match which would have given United an even bigger win.
The results see Eric ten Hag’s side move within 5 points of league leaders Arsenal and in control of a Champions League spot. Maguire speaking about the win said: “We know coming to Elland Road is going to be tough. Thanks to the guys who stood our ground, showed spirit, got a clean sheet… We knew today was about revenge and we got it.”
Photo Credit: IMAGO/Pro Sports Images
