Manchester United ground out a hard-fought and deserved point at fierce rivals Leeds United on Sunday lunchtime.
A Manchester United side that was still without eight senior players and had to call up 17-year-old defender Godwill Kukonki for the bench weathered the early storm and made it to the break at 0-0.
Leeds United responded to the anxiety in the crowd by stepping on the gas and they pounced on the one mistake Ayden Heaven made all game as Brenden Aaronsen raced through to slot in for 1-0.
But this United side, while far from perfect, don’t quit and they navigated a route back into the game with Joshua Zirkzee, the only away sub to come on, teeing up Matheus Cunha.
Daily Mail Sport’s NATHAN SALT was at Elland Road to cast his eye over Amorim’s side…
Matheus Cunha rescued a deserved point for Manchester United away to bitter rivals Leeds
MANCHESTER UNITED (3-4-3)
Senne Lammens – 6
Had the sun in his eyes for the first half and was grateful to see Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s glancing header stroke the outside – rather than the inside – of the post. Was under directions to go long rather than play out from the back and he followed those orders. Made a super save to claw away Noah Okafor’s overhead kick when the game was in the balance at 1-1.
Leny Yoro – 6.5
Back into the side, replacing Joshua Zirkzee in the line-up. It’s been a real rollercoaster of a season for the young Frenchman but he dealt with the occasion like a much older pro. Forced a brilliant save at the other end from a clever set piece, too, in the first half. Had his hands full all day with Okafor but was up for the battle and answered the call of his manager before going off.
Ayden Heaven – 6
Was playing with composure and the right amount of aggression for an hour before making the costly mistake that allowed Leeds to take the lead through Brenden Aaronsen. Heaven switched off Aaronsen’s run after Diogo Dalot gave the ball away on the halfway line. A sharp reminder that at this level one mistake can undo an entire gameplan.
Lisandro Martinez – 8
Best player on the pitch. Brought experience, leadership and a composure on the ball which is essential at places like Elland Road when the crowd is whipped up into a frenzy. Was one of only a few players who felt brave enough to pass between the lines. United got something out of this game in no small part thanks to the savvy Argentine.
Lisandro Martinez was the coolest head on the pitch and was essential in this 1-1 battling draw
Diogo Dalot – 5.5
Was annoyed at himself when he sent a penalty box cut-back from Martinez into row Z during a nip-and-tuck first half. Won’t have felt too great about losing the ball so cheaply as Leeds countered to go 1-0 up. He’s stepped up in plenty of games this season but struggled here to offer any sort of dynamic creative outlet down the right.
Manuel Ugarte – 6
Much like the manager he takes on board a lot of criticism and often it can be warranted. Yet this was a solid outing that also saw him help start counter attacks, which isn’t something he often looks to do. Needs to do more – so does everyone – but you can live with performances like this one.
Casemiro – 6.5
Alarm bells were no doubt ringing on the United bench when Casemiro started off the pace with some hospital passes. He’s so experienced, though, and so he soon found a rhythm. United owe a lot to the experience of Casemiro and Martinez for grinding out a point here that was beyond the likes of Chelsea and Crystal Palace. Never seems to flinch when the pressure dial is turned to the max.
Luke Shaw – 6
Too experienced a player not to have a more steady final ball because United did pick him out in some good positions, particularly during the first half. Wasn’t much to write home about with Leeds targeting the opposite flank.
Luke Shaw needs to work on his final ball but he was reliable and composed in his defending
Patrick Dorgu – 5.5
Just as he was against Newcastle on Boxing Day, Dorgu again found himself pushed into an attacking right-sided role. Showed signs of early promise but they couldn’t get him in the game anywhere near enough and second half he was marked out of the game. Booked.
Benjamin Sesko – 5
Lacking belief and it’s clear for all to see out on the pitch. Had his moments bringing others into play with some really neat build-up play but doesn’t make the more adventurous runs that, say, Cunha did for the equalising goal. Was picked out around six yards out in the second half and it went agonisingly wide, which about sums up his struggles in front of goal. Badly needs to see one hit the back of the net soon as it’s still just two goals since his £73.7m move.
Matheus Cunha – 7
Cut a frustrated figure for large spells – not least when his stunning volley in the first half was ruled out for offside. Being asked to carry this team on his back with so many absentees and it’s not coming as easy to him as it did at Wolves. That said, he never gives up and his dogged running was rewarded with the equaliser, and he later hit the post. Not for a lack of trying.
MANAGER: Ruben Amorim – 6
Takes a lot of heat but he’s without four of his top six scorers this season and came away from this lion’s den of a ground with a deserved point. Keeps them in contention for the top four and buys time to get players back. Got the gameplan right for the most part.
Ruben Amorim has cut a jaded figure in recent days but this was a positive performance
SUBS
Joshua Zirkzee (for Leny Yoro, 63) – 7.5
Was a spark plug off the bench that he wasn’t from the start against Wolves. Played the decisive through ball for Cunha to equalise and later teed up Benjamin Sesko six yards out, only for the Slovenian to swipe an effort wide. Added some much needed creativity.
LEEDS UNITED (3-5-2): Perri 5; Bornauw 6 (Gnonto 80), Bijol 7, Struijk 7.5; Justin 6, Gruev 6, Stach 7, Aaronson 7 (Piroe 87), Gudmundsson 6.5; Okafor 7.5 (Nmecha 75), Calvert-Lewin 6
MANAGER: Daniel Farke 6
REFEREE: Jarred Gillett 5
ATT: 36,909