Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw against Leeds on Sunday afternoon after goals from Brenden Aaronson and Matheus Cunha split the points.
Rúben Amorim chose to continue with his back-five with Leny Yoro replacing Joshua Zirkzee as Manchester United travelled to face long-time rivals Leeds United at Elland Road on a Sunday afternoon Premier League clash.
The blockbuster tie started with United matching Leeds’ aggressive play and holding their own for the first 20 minutes. Although some good chances came for Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Matheus Cunha, neither side could find a breakthrough.
In the second half, the tie remained much the same, although Leeds finally found their breakthrough through Brenden Aaronson, but Cunha replied immediately to level the game with 25 minutes to play.
With both sides looking for a winning goal, it felt as if neither side could find their cutting edge to secure a winning effort, with Leeds and United sharing the spoils on Sunday afternoon.
#1 – Šeško must start kicking into gear
With United fielding eight defensive-minded players in the outfield due to a lack of other options, a lot of United’s attack relied on Cunha and Benjamin Šeško.
While Cunha looked up for the game, it took Šeško a long time to warm up for the tie, with it clear that he is still struggling with the Premier League’s physical demands.
Chances fell his way as the tie went on, but he failed to convert. With No Bryan Mbeumo or Amad, the last few games should have been Šeško’s chance to kick on, but he’s failed to do so.
#2 – Shaw left wing-back debut went well
Unlike every other occasion so far this season with a back three, Luke Shaw found himself playing at left wing-back for the first time under Amorim, and he played brilliantly.
In the first half, he was strong in both defence and attack, putting in good crosses in play and set pieces, as well as a fantastic headed clearance before half-time.
In the second half, he continued to bombard Leeds’ left flank and often found himself right on the edge of the attacking line. It could be another position Amorim considers Shaw for in the future.
#3 – Despite his error, Heaven is still quality
There is no denying that Ayden Heaven’s lack of anticipation for Aaronson’s opener was an error of his. Still, aside from the momentary lapse in judgment, it was yet another fantastic performance from the teenager.
Across the tie, he completed 50 of his 59 passes, made five tackles and six clearances, while also winning six of his eight duels and only committing one foul.
It was his seventh Premier League start in a row amid the absence of Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire, and he continues to prove why United were so keen to take him off Arsenal’s hands one year ago.
#4 – Cunha doing what he was bought for
Cunha’s start at United has received mixed reviews: some United fans love his hard work and creative drive, while others point to his lack of goal contributions as a negative.
Read More: Player Ratings – Leeds 1-1 Manchester United (Premier League)
However, against Leeds, the Brazilian was a level above everyone else on the field, and thoroughly deserved his Player of the Match award.
His goal came at the perfect time, and he was United’s primary driving force. He will need to continue carrying United as he did on Sunday afternoon until Amad and Bryan Mbeumo return from AFCON.
#5 – An otherwise good point spoiled by dropped ones elsewhere
Individually, considering Leeds’ great form of late, a 1-1 draw is far from a poor result. Sides such as Chelsea, Liverpool, and Crystal Palace have all failed to win at Elland Road in the last six weeks.
However, when looking at the bigger picture, the draw makes it just one win, one loss, and three draws from their last five games in the Premier League, securing only six of a possible 15.
United once again had a great chance to put themselves in firm control of the race for Champions League spots, but dropped points and poor performances of late continue to hinder their goals.
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