Manchester United slumped to a miserable 1-1 draw at Leeds and have won just one of their last five Premier League games as Ruben Amorim continues to struggle without Bruno Fernandes and the African Cup of Nations squad. The Red Devils lacked quality as Daniel Farke’s side picked up another good point to avoid relegation.
Brendan Aaronson took the lead in the second half after slipping behind Aiden Haven and scored a well-taken goal, but Matheus Cunha equalized for the visitors just under three minutes later following a superb through ball from substitute Joshua Zirkzee. Here, Express Sport assesses the United team’s performance…
Manchester United vs Leeds player ratings
goalkeeper
Senne Ramens – 7
He made a smart save to deny an overhead kick that was heading towards the back of the goal.
defense
Yoro Lenny – 6
United almost took the lead just before half-time, but his header was denied by a fine save from Lucas Perry. He defended well before being sent off by Zirksee.
Aiden Heaven – 5
When Aaronson scored from behind, it looked like he was running through sludge. They have also struggled to deal with the in-form Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but the same has been true for a number of more established Premier League defenders in recent weeks.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
He showed great composure on the ball and was United’s best defender. A very promising return from an ACL injury.
midfield
Diogo Dalot – 6
As one of the few talented attacking players on the pitch, he needed to do more.
Manuel Ugarte – 5
It was a lackluster performance at a time when his future at United could be at stake. This midfield duo is not functioning at all. He needs more ability on the ball and should instead play in the middle of the pitch, even if it’s Lisandro Martinez or one of the many young players on the bench.
Casemiro – 5
It wasn’t his game, with some sloppy passes, but with Fernandes and Koby Mainu out with injuries, he needed to be more responsible on the ball. His cross from the outside of his boot to the offside Benjamin Sesco showed the Brazilian could have more influence in possession. He just needs to prove it.
Luke Shaw – 7
One of United’s most dangerous threats put in a decent performance on the left.
attack
Patrick Dorg – 6
United’s injury crisis gave him another chance in the front three, but he failed to provide the cutting edge needed. Cunha gave him a high-five when the Dane shot wide when he had better options, but maybe a tell-all would have been more appropriate.
Matheus Cunha – 8
His wonder goal early on was ruled out for offside, and he was unsurprisingly United’s most effective player in the final third. More support is needed, but when the quality of a forward in Zirksee appeared on the pitch again, it was no surprise that he scored for United. He almost had a winner, but his shot from the edge of the box bounced off the post.
Benjamin Sesco – 5
Cunha’s volley shot in the first half was ruled out as he was unable to get back onside. He struggled to get into the game and should have scored his first goal when Zirksee found him in the box.
substitute
Joshua Zirkzee (63′) – 8
Cunha made an immediate impact when he caught his through ball and scored the goal. He will provide the needed impetus going forward and is almost certain to start against Burnley on Wednesday. Great cameo appearance.
