Man Utd vs Leeds LIVE: Premier League result and final score as Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford earn draw
Manchester United 2-2 Leeds United: The visitors led by two goals but Erik ten Hag’s side denied their rivals a vital win as Rashford and Sancho rescued a draw
Substitute Jadon Sancho secured Manchester United a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Leeds to deny their managerless rivals a famous first league win at Old Trafford in 42 years.
The relegation-threatened Whites sacked Jesse Marsch on Monday and caretaker replacement Michael Skubala was on course to mastermind an unforgettable victory two days later.
Wilfried Gnonto fired the visitors ahead after 55 seconds and Raphael Varane turned into his own goal early in the second half as Leeds dreamt of a first league win at Old Trafford since February 1981.
But Erik ten Hag’s United are made of stern stuff and rallied impressively, with Marcus Rashford’s header followed by substitute Sancho’s first goal since September in a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Illan Meslier superbly stopped Varane scoring a winner at the end of a rip-roaring tussle that adds excitement ahead of Sunday’s return fixture at a bouncing Elland Road.
Follow all the reaction from Old Trafford as Man Utd take on Leeds in the Premier League:
Kick off: Man Utd 0-0 Leeds
Manchester United get the ball rolling at Old Trafford. They work the ball back to David De Gea in goal before looking to play out from the back.
Leeds push tentatively forward but they’re not too forceful in the press.
Man Utd vs Leeds
Leeds under-21 head coach Michael Skubala says the Whites’ tactics will be virtually the same against Manchester United as if Jesse Marsch was still in the dugout.
Skubala, along with assistant head coach Chris Armas and development coach Paco Gallardo, will lead the team at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
“We’ve got 24 hours,” said Skubala. “We’ve got one session this afternoon so some things will have to be the same.
“There may be a few little tweaks in how we want to play but fundamentally we need to make sure the players understand the game plan.”
Pre-match thoughts of Pascal Struijk
“It has been building up every time since I have been here,” said the 23-year-old Leeds defender, “Leading up to the game everyone is getting excited and we are all so motivated to play these games.
“Most of the boys have played in a derby before, but I don’t think they’ll realise how big it is until they step on to the pitch for the first time.
“We have to lift the new guys, but I’m sure they will get the motivation right.
“I was surprised it was two back-to-back games, but we have two big chances now to get a result. We have seen before we can play against the top teams, so why not this time?”
Man Utd vs Leeds
Bruno Fernandes is one short of 100 career league goals. He has scored or assisted in all five of Manchester United’s Premier League matches in 2023, scoring three times and setting up a further two.
Fernandes has also been directly involved in eight Premier League goals in four games versus Leeds, more than against any other opponent.
Leeds chairman gives update on next manager hunt after Jesse Marsch’s sacking
Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani says the club needs more time in their hunt for a new manager.
The Yorkshire club sacked Jesse Marsch on Monday and Radrizzani has since been replying to messages posted to him on Twitter by Leeds fans asking whether they were closing in on a replacement.
The Italian had hinted on Tuesday night that an announcement by Leeds was imminent, saying: “We are on it. Hopefully white smoke by tonight or (tomorrow) morning.”
Leeds chairman gives update on next manager hunt
The Yorkshire club sacked Jesse Marsch on Monday and are searching for his replacement
Man Utd vs Leeds
Manchester United have kept eight top-flight clean sheets in 2022/23, equalling their final total from last season.
Will they manage to keep Leeds at bay tonight?
Man Utd vs Leeds
Leeds have netted 11 goals in their final four top-flight fixtures before the World Cup but have scored just four times in six matches since the league resumed.
Their tally of five away points this season is a joint-league low with Bournemouth.
Man Utd vs Leeds
Marcus Rashford has scored 11 goals in 13 club appearances since returning from the World Cup, more than any other player at a Premier League club.
Rashford has netted in each of Manchester United’s last five Premier League home fixtures, three short of the club record set by Wayne Rooney from December 2009 to March 2010.
Man Utd vs Leeds
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has not included in Manchester United’s squad for tonight’s game.
Wan-Bissaka is reportedly ill and Jadon Sancho, who was ill at the weekend, was not considered fit enough to start tonight - he starts on the bench.
Explained: Why Manchester United vs Leeds is not on TV tonight
Manchester United face Leeds United in a Premier League double-header this week. The two rivals will meet at Old Trafford tonight before playing for a second time at Elland Road on Sunday.
Wednesday’s fixture was rearranged following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September. A new date was eventually confirmed after both teams advanced to the fifth round of the FA Cup without requiring a fourth-round replay.
In announcing the “unique” fixture, the Premier League said: “We acknowledge the unique circumstances of the teams playing each other twice in the same week, with Leeds United v Manchester United scheduled for Sunday 12 February. This is to avoid potential fixture congestion later in the season.”
Explained: Why Manchester United vs Leeds is not on TV tonight
The clubs meet twice in a Premier League double-header this week, but Wednesday’s match will not be on TV
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies