Leeds United had Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s superb header to thank for ending their open play drought this month, and it’s hopefully the start of a strong campaign.
When Leeds were rebuffed in their long-standing Rodrigo Muniz interest, they wasted no more time in finding the right striker to take them forward in the Premier League.
Free agent Dominic Calvert-Lewin was the man they turned to back in August, and his second start in United colours yielded a first goal.
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Dominic Calvert-Lewin shows Leeds United impact in 3-1 Wolves victory
An early setback at Molineux did little to deter Leeds from sticking to their game plan in the first half. Remaining patient in possession, they eventually got their reward around the half-hour mark.
Jayden Bogle’s slightly deflected cross found the penalty spot where Dominic Calvert-Lewin muscled himself between Wolves defenders to guide a seriously smart header into the far corner.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin silences the Wolves crowd as he scores his first goal for Leeds United. (REUTERS/Chris Radburn)
That finish added a new ruthlessness to United’s attacking play. Shortly after, Anton Stach rifled in a thunderbolt of a free-kick from 25 yards. Then, the German launched a counter and released Noah Okafor for 3-1.
Calvert-Lewin was subbed off in the second half after a commanding overall display. Winning duels and drawing fouls, he helped drag Leeds through a more gritty second half showing,.
Manchester United turned down by Dominic Calvert-Lewin in favour of Leeds United
After leaving Everton in the summer, Calvert-Lewin had options on the table for his next move. Various Premier League clubs were unsurprisingly linked with his signature, including Manchester United.
A report from i News now shares that Calvert-Lewin had “serious” interest from the Red Devils. Not only from Old Trafford was he courted, but also AC Milan and Newcastle United during the summer.
The extent of this interest isn’t revealed, but all three clubs are claimed to have held discussions with the England international over a move.
Manchester United instead spent their money on £74million striker Benjamin Sesko. The towering Slovenian is yet to find the net in six appearances.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin could be vital for Leeds United this season
When the link initially emerged to Leeds in the summer, you did have to question whether it would be viable for us. In terms of hids injury record and his wage demands, it seemed a strange one.
Add to that the links to these clubs in the above report. You do have to wonder how much he’s on at Elland Road, but the impact is there to see.
However, if we keep him fit and performing as well as he did on Saturday, we’ve got a striker that can help fire us to safety.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!