This was the first league meeting between Manchester United and Leeds United for 16 years, it was a match people were really looking forward to and I was too. There’s always been hatred between the two teams as well and also because players have signed for both teams as well.
In the pre-match build-up Roy Keane said “I think Man United will have too much for Leeds and will put Leeds in their place.
Could Man United start quickly for once, as Leeds always start matches quickly, and could Man United finally score some goals at home? Also, could the way Leeds set up play into Man United’s hands?
It was played at Old Trafford.
It was the perfect start for Man United as after just 67 seconds, Fernandes passed to McTominay who drilled a shot into the bottom corner and Man United one nil up already
Two minutes later, it got even better for Man United and worse for Leeds as Martial played a through ball for McTominay whose first touch was sublime and he scored in the corner.
After seven minutes, Bamford had a chance for Leeds but shot wide.
After 18 minutes, Bamford did score but he was offside.
Two minutes later, it was third goal for Man United as Fernandes backheeled to Fred who ran, played through ball to Martial who lost control, but Fernandes was there to drill it into the left corner, and incredibly Manchester United were three nil up after twenty minutes playing some good football.
After 34 minutes Raphinha shot was saved by De Gea.,
Three minutes later from a corner Martial header was flicked on to Lindelof who finished coolly into the net and it was turning into a wonderful afternoon for Man United, and the stuff of nightmares for Leeds United, what could Leeds do?
After 41 minutes, Leeds finally scored a goal as Cooper headed into the net, the start of a comeback or just a consolation?
A minute before halftime Rashford had a shot saved.
Halftime score: Manchester United 4-1 Leeds United
So a wonderful first half of football where both teams could have scored more goals, but it was Solskjaer’s team who were leading Bielsa’s team at halftime, would there be even more chances and goals in the second half?
Two minutes into the second half, Martial shot missed
Three minutes later, good move by Leeds, Rodrigo crossed to Raphinha whose shot was saved by De Gea, cleared for a corner which came to nothing.
After 64 minutes, Raphinha shot easily saved by De Gea.
A minute later, good work by McTominay who drove forward, played a pass to James who finished well although he was a little lucky as it went through Meslier’s legs.
With twenty minutes left , Martial went down and a penalty was awarded to Man United and Fernandes had the chance to make it six for Man United and he scored coolly.
After 73 minutes Dallas scored a stunner into the top corner to make it 6-2 to Man United.
After 83 minutes , more Man United chances as Cavani and James both had shots saved.
Two minutes later, Tells had a shot saved, and from the corner Maguire’s header was straight at Meslier.
A minute later, Fred had a shot saved and Maguire headed over.
The last meaningful action was a cross and Rodrigo and Bamford both missed the ball and Harrison shot wide.
Fulltime score: Manchester United 6-2 Leeds United
So it finished 6-2 but in honesty it could have finished 10-6, it was a superb game of football with 43 shots in total combined between both teams.
Manchester United are just starting to play well again, although Leeds did have injuries so perhaps that didn’t help Leeds.
I still think Leeds are capable of staying up, but they need to sort their defence out. That has to be Leeds’ aim this season staying in the Premier League after waiting so long to get back up there. Man United could be if not title contenders perhaps the best of the rest behind Liverpool.
It means a happy Christmas for Man United fans.
Highlights of this superb game are below:
It means Man United are upto 3rd in the Premier League table , five points behind Liverpool but Man United still have a game in hand on them. Leeds remain in 14th place but are seven points above the relegation zone.
Next up for Man United is a Carabao Cup quarter final against Everton on Wednesday 23rd December at Goodison Park with an 8pm kickoff, followed by a Boxing Day clash with Leicester at 12:30pm.
Next for Leeds is a home game at Elland Road against Burnley on Sunday 27th December with a 12pm kickoff.
