(Football news) There was a hostile atmosphere at Elland Road as Manchester United managed to sneak in a 2-0 victory over Leeds United in the Premier League on Sunday. In-form Marcus Rashford opened the scoring in the 80th minute with an exquisite header while substitute Alejandro Garnacho doubled the advantage in the 85th minute to secure all three points for the Red Devils. The result meant that Manchester United closed the gap on leaders Arsenal to just 5 points but have played two games more while Leeds’ winless run extended to nine games.

In team news, Leeds United made two changes from the side that drew 2-2 against Manchester United at Old Trafford with Crysencio Summerville and Junior Firpo replacing the injured Luis Sinisterra and Pascal Struijk. As for Manchester United, Erik ten Hag made three changes with Jadon Sancho replacing Alejandro Garnacho at the wing while Harry Maguire and Tyrell Malacia came in a makeshift back four with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane dropped to the bench. It was arguably one of the worst first half performances for Manchester United since a long time and the Red Devils struggled to get going and create clear cut opportunities, failing to dominate the midfield to have progressive patterns of play.

Speaking after the match, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said “We needed more composure in the game and I think that was the big problem. It’s normal because it’s a derby, it’s a rivalry, but in possession you have to be calm and we were not calm enough. Once again though we showed we are a squad and we are the only team in the whole of Europe that are playing in four competitions.

“You have to use your squad when it’s like that and everyone is contributing, everyone is important and that’s a good thing to know. Then you can use that tactically and we did today. We’re happy with the win, to go to Elland Road and collect three points, but I’m still a little bit disappointed to drop two points against them on Wednesday because it was unnecessary.”

Leeds interim boss Michael Skubala said “I’m disappointed because I thought we played well. It was a tight game in the first half and a bit cagey, but I thought both teams had a good structure and were tactically sound. In the second half, I thought we came out the better team and we should have scored a goal to open the game up, but goals change games and the first goal changed the game in the 80th minute with their class.

“I try to be positive and the group tries to be positive. We try to go after the game and try to win it. I was just hoping we’d get a goal in the first 20 minutes of the first half. Not scoring the first goal [has cost us]. They scored the first goal and we had to then change our shape and in the end, we conceded the second and that’s the difference at the top level.”

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