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Erik ten Hag masterminded an improbable victory for Manchester United at Elland Road this afternoon after an injury-ravaged side looked headed for a stalemate against a plucky Yorkshire side cheered on by a hostile crowd.
United were without Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Antony, Scott McTominay, Donny van de Beek and Anthony Martial for the tricky journey across the Pennines.
At the hour of play, Leeds seemed the most likely to take all three points.
With Jadon Sancho looking to be the star most likely to turn United around and center forward Wout Weghorst looking lost, Ten Hag’s double substitution on 61 minutes changed the course of the match.
Sancho was replaced by youngster Alejandro Garnacho, who has disappointed in the last two games, while Tyrell Malacia was replaced by Lisandro Martinez, pushing Luke Shaw over to left-back. To the surprise of many fans, Weghorst stuck around.
Garnacho replaced Marcus Rashford on the left wing, who moved up front.
Bruno Fernandes moved to the right flank and Weghorst dropped to the number 10 position.
It seemed like a strange change, but it was brilliant.
In the 80th minute, Shaw’s ability to get further ahead than Malacia was rewarded with a goal from Marcus Rashford after his England teammate scored an inch-perfect cross.
Just five minutes later, Weghorst sent a beautiful pass to Garnacho, who got past his man before moving past Meslier at the near post.
At the back, the introduction of Lisandro added some much-needed stability and the defensive spread was also improved a bit to help cut down on time.
It was a tactical masterclass from the coach, pulling three points out of the game like a magician pulling rabbits out of a hat.
The victory moves United into second place in the Premier League, although it could be short-lived as neighbors City could take a step back if they pick up at least one point against Aston Villa this afternoon.
