Manchester United came two goals down to draw 2-2 against Leeds at Old Trafford in the lone Premier League game played on Wednesday.
It was the visitors who stole the show barely a minute into the game when Wilfred Gnonto silenced the United faithful with the second quickest goal at Old Trafford. It came 55 seconds into the encounter, just 12 second slower than Eden Dzeko’s goal for Man.city in 2014.
Leeds who made the trip to Old Trafford with caretaker Michael Skubala in charge following the sacking of Jesse Marsch on Monday took advantage of the void left by suspended midfield anchor Casemiro.
Wilfred Gnonto exposed a loop hole in the middle of the pack when he initiated a move involving a quick one- two with forward Patrick Bamford before firing a low drive from the edge of the box to give the visitors a much desired lead.
The Whites threatened to double their advantage before halftime but Man United backline stood firm with Lisandro Martinez especially outstanding as he put in the Man of the Match performance.
For Man United, the Swift young Argentine Alejandro Garnacho came close to getting an equaliser on two occasions but was on one of those occasion denied by a clearance off the line by Leeds defender Max Wober.
After the interval, Leeds got a two goal advantage when Rafael Varane connected into his own net following substitute Crysencio Summerville’s low cross in the 48th minute.
On realizing that the home record of 13 straight victories was at stake, Erik Ten Hag made substitutions in Youngster Pellistri and Jadon Sancho that turned out to be impactful.
The Dutch tactician’s decision was spot on. The substitutions instantly paid off as the young Uruguayan international crossed for inform Marcus Rashford who made no mistake to score a brilliant header for his 20th goal of the season, reducing the deficit to 1-2 in the 62nd minute.
Sancho who returned to premier league action for the first time since October turned out to be the saviour for Ten Hag’s men scoring an equaliser in the 70th minute to send the home fans into frenzy.
It was Marauding left fullback Luke Shaw who combined brilliantly with Sancho on the left before the former Dortmund player cut inside to score the leveller.
United pushed hard for a winner, but Fred’s long range effort was kept out by French custodian Meslier.
Varane and Rashford also came close but were denied by Meslier in the dying minutes of the game.
In the end, the Red Devils salvaged a point in thrilling fashion.
Now on 43 points, Man United missed an opportunity to go level on points with their neighbors Man City who are placed second in the league.
Leeds who have not won in eight league games moved a point clear above the relegation zone. The two sides will face off again on Sunday at Elland road.
