Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag already has a clear game plan to beat Leeds United in Sunday’s Premier League clash at Elland Road.
The Red Devils were widely fancied to beat the Whites at Old Trafford last night but the visitors stunned them with a hard-fought 2-2 draw.
United went 1-0 behind after just 56 seconds and things only got worse after the interval with Raphael Varane’s own goal in the 48th minute.
The Red Devils fought back with goals from Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, and Ten Hag needs to be lauded for his tactical changes.
At the hour mark, the manager decided to take off Alejandro Garnacho and Wout Weghorst with Sancho and Facundo Pellistri replacing him.
Marcus Rashford, who was playing on the right flank, was asked to lead the line, with Sancho and Pellistri on the left and right wing respectively.
There was an immediate response. Pellistri was impressive with his hold-up play before Diogo Dalot’s precise cross for Rashford’s headed goal.
Minutes later, Sancho got the equaliser. He was superb with his passing in his cameo and got his reward with his low shot beating Illan Meslier.
A world-class save from Meslier denied a terrific comeback win for United, but they were a lot of positives to carry forward after Ten Hag’s changes.
In our view, the Dutch tactician already has a clear game plan to beat Leeds on the road on Sunday.
Sancho and Pellistri should start with Rashford up front. If they can replicate the second-half display from last night, United should ease to a comfortable victory.
United are currently third in the league, but only four points separate them from fifth-place Tottenham Hotspur. Sunday’s game is a must-win for them.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
