Luke Ayling highlights key factor in Leeds United collapse and answers Whites forward question - YEP 13/2/23
Luke Ayling felt a key factor ultimately told in the final ten minutes of Sunday's 2-0 defeat at home to Manchester United but said the Whites could be proud of their two displays against the Red Devils.
Lee Sobot
Managerless Leeds took a 2-2 draw from Wednesday night's
first of two back-to-back clashes against the Red Devils in the club's first
game since the sacking of Jesse Marsch. Under-21s boss Michael Skubala is
currently heading up a caretaker management team that again took charge for
Sunday's home rematch against the Red Devils which was goalless with 11 minutes
left.
The visitors, though, went ahead in the 80th minute as
Marcus Rashford headed home a Luke Shaw cross and the Red Devils bagged a
second just five minutes later through Alejandro Garnacho. Leeds had earlier
squandered several good chances to go in front and Ayling admitted that
profligacy in front of goal and then particularly the size of a Whites squad
hit with injuries were factors in the defeat.
"I think that we played really well for 80 minutes and
we gave it our all," said Ayling to post-match media. "We had some
big chances especially in the second half I think and they are the moments that
change games.
"We had them pinned in the second half and they have
one chance. You can't give a player who is that much in confidence that much
time in the box to score a goal. We have to take the positives from it.
"We played so well in the week as well and then we came
here and we have got five or six injuries, players who could be starting as
well. Our squad is a bit smaller so we had to go again and I think the last ten
minutes showed that. We just came up a little bit short.
"But I think we can be proud of our last four days in a
week that has been tricky for the club that we have stuck together and we have
played really well in these two games and now we move on to next
Saturday."
The best of Leeds chances fell to Crysencio Summerville who
was a constant menace for the Red Devils back line the winger was unable to net
with any of his opportunities in front of goal. Asked if his side were
scratching their heads about the chances missed and suggested that Summerville
certainly would be, Ayling replied: "That's the point that changes games
really. If we score a goal then maybe we go on to win the game. But it's all
ifs, buts and maybes. It is what it is."