Leeds United – Manchester United: A Tinkered Target Man Eventually Bashes Through (0-2)

An hour into an unattractive performance, Erik ten Hag made an important change to his frontline. To the wing went Bruno Fernandes, and in the ten position was Wout Weghorst: the password to a tough Leeds United code.

Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker.

How bizarre is it to get back-to-back matches just four days apart? Yet a managerless Leeds stoked up the interest, a crucial point away from home, to their close rivals in a very different position.

Jesse Marsch had appeared to be backed in the January window, but alarming results had put intense strain on his position. A devotee of the Red Bull school of pressing, Marsch failed to build in crucial areas without perfecting his biggest principle. Leeds made a bold call, and the list of potential managers suggests that they are sticking to thinking outside of the box, in order to survive.

On the other end, Man United is beating to a different rhythm. Erik ten Hag has brought more control and has Marcus Rashford in the best form of his career, although old habits have been very difficult to fully stamp out. 

Both Pascal Struijk and Luis Sinisterra were replaced, from the team that started in midweek. Junior Firpo came in at left-back, whilst Crysencio Summerville joined the attack, as caretaker manager Michael Skubala aligned his team in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Ten Hag had made three changes. Center-back duo Lisandro Martínez and Raphaël Varane were replaced by Tyrell Malacia and Harry Maguire. There was also a place for Jadon Sancho, who came in for Alejandro Garnacho . . .

Get access to this article and all other quality content of Between the Posts!

Start your two-week free trial now!

Completely ad-free exclusive articles from our expert tactics writers, plus a complete match plots page to explore.

Membership Plans

Already a member? Log in

Joel Parker (24) is an Everton fan. Whenever he’s not watching his beloved Everton, Joel spends his time analyzing all sorts of football. Chief editor and Founder of Toffee Analysis. [ View all posts ]

Comments

Go to TOP