(Football news) Manchester United managed to get a 2-2 draw against Leeds United at Old Trafford with Jadon Sancho finding the back of the net on his Premier League return after four months out. The 22 year old scored the equaliser in the 70th minute after in-form Marcus Rashford scored a magnificent header in the 62nd minute, which was his 20th goal of the season. It took Leeds just 55 seconds after kick off to take the lead through Wilfried Gnonto’s fantastic effort while Raphael Varane scored an own goal in the 48th minute from Crysencio Summerville’s low cross.
The result means that Manchester United have now missed out on the opportunity to go level on points with second place Manchester City while Leeds United went a point clear of the relegation zone but have failed to win any of their last eight games. The two sides will face each other once again on Sunday, this time at Elland Road. Casemiro’s absence proved to be a big one for Manchester United, who looked uncharacteristically vulnerable in midfield, especially for the opening goal.
With Christian Eriksen and Casemiro unavailable, Erik ten Hag gave new signing Marcel Sabitzer his full debut and the Austrian took some time to settle into the game. Diogo Dalot made his first start since almost a month while Alejandro Garnacho replaced the injured Antony in the attack.
Speaking after the match, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said “We win a point, but also drop two points. In each half we had a very bad start, it’s unacceptable. Especially in a derby. You have to be ready to play, battle and take responsibility, and it’s something we didn’t do. You can’t be surprised by a fast start, it’s a derby, they will go on the front foot, against a team on a good run, they will get into duels with us.”
When asked about Sancho, Ten Hag replied “I’m very happy. He’s on the way back. We know he is a magnificent football player. He can definitely be a big impact. Tonight he had, but we know he can have a consistent impact. He has to work very hard, we all do, and at this moment he is in a good mood. I think it will strengthen him, motivate him to even give more, then you’ll get more. He’s a brilliant footballer, and that second goal I really enjoyed, and especially for him.”
Leeds interim head coach Michael Skubala said “I’m really proud of the performance of the players, and in a way I’m disappointed not to win the game. I felt we did enough to win the game.” On Leeds’ search for a successor, he added: “I’ve just been busy with this game over the past 24 hours, concentrating on making sure the players are in the right place, that’s up to the board and everyone else.”
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