Leeds United feedback for Man Utd fans, Ten Hag's injury consolation and off-camera moments - YEP 9/2/23
Leeds United left Old Trafford with a hard-fought point, having prevented Manchester United from completing their comeback job.
By Graham Smyth
The Whites, under Michael Skubala’s caretaker charge, went
2-0 up against the side in third place in the Premier League, but conceded
twice in the second half and came under heavy pressure as Erik Ten Hag’s men
looked for a winner that never came.
Skubala spoke of his pride at the determination shown by the
players to dig out a point in such difficult circumstances, at such a difficult
place, visiting Old Trafford just two days after the sacking of Jesse Marsch
and in the midst of a long winless run.
Here’s the YEP take on a dramatic night on the other side of
the Pennines.
Good day
Willy Gnonto
Every day is a good day to be Willy Gnonto. So often the
main man in attack of late, he struck brilliantly to give the Whites the lead,
boosting his already remarkable popularity with the fans. Turning it on against
Manchester United, away from home, was just another reminder of just how
Premier League ready he is. He had a hand in the second goal and spent most of
his evening irritating home players and fans. A job well done, even if his
influence waned as the second half progressed.
Michael Skubala
What a game in which to make your managerial debut for Leeds
United’s senior side. Even if it is the only time he leads the first team,
Skubala will never forget it. He was a one-man hive of activity all evening,
issuing orders, speaking to players, consulting staff members and making
changes. Having worked on shape for just 20 minutes, he evidently communicated
his plan clearly and although it didn’t bring a win, the point was enough.
Bad day
Luis Sinisterra
Leeds will have everything crossed that the Colombian is not
going to spend another significant chunk of time on the sidelines. Injuries
have made life difficult since his move to England and the Whites need him for
the relegation battle, but they need him at full tilt. He hasn’t got up to
speed and stayed there consistently yet.
Pascal Struijk
Missed a header at one end that could have put Leeds 2-0 up
and then blocked a shot at the other with his head, which took him out of the
game.
Off-camera moments
Skubala approaching players on the pitch for individual
chats when they first arrived at Old Trafford. He rarely stopped communicating
with them, or the backroom team, all evening.
Ewan Sharp and Chris Armas greeting former Manchester United
colleagues as they emerged to take the players through the warm-up on their Old
Trafford return.
Tom Robinson on warm-up duty in place of the now departed
fitness coach Pierre Barrieu.
Weston McKennie stealing a glance at the Leeds fans as they
struck up their song about getting 'into them' while down by the corner flag.
The midfielder was making his full debut at Old Trafford.
Erik Ten Hag consoling Pascal Struijk as he made his way
towards the tunnel with a suspected concussion.
Armas drawing pictures in a discussion with Skubala as Leeds
came under heavy pressure. The American spent a lot of his evening sketching
things to show Skubala, who was evidently taking charge on the touchline.
Luke Ayling giving some feedback to the Manchester United
supporters near the touchline on his flank. They didn’t appear to find whatever
he said amusing.
Gnonto laughing off words of home fans next to the away team
at full-time.
Stuart Dallas playfully kneeing first team security man
Martin Sykes in the technical area as the team went to the away fans, then
going to congratulate Junior Firpo on his performance. He had a big hug for
Luke Ayling, too.
