Man United were held to a draw by Leeds on Wednesday as Alejandro Garnacho was brought off before the hour mark
Alejandro Garnacho has posted a cryptic Instagram message after Manchester United’s draw with Leeds on Wednesday.
United fought back from two goals down to draw with Leeds but it felt like a missed opportunity as they failed to take the chance to draw level on points with Manchester City. Wilfried Gnonto opened the scoring within the opening minute and a Raphael Varane own goal doubled the visitors’ lead just after the break.
Alejandro Garnacho (Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
The introduction of Jadon Sancho turned the game on its head as he had a hand in Marcus Rashford’s goal before grabbing the equaliser himself with a slick move and finish.
Sancho was introduced alongside Facundo Pellistri just before the hour mark with Wout Weghorst and Garnacho making way. The promising winger was naive at times in the match and missed a great opportunity to score before being hooked.
It’s another occasion in which Garnacho has struggled to have as much impact from the off as he has as a substitute and he now hasn’t scored since his dramatic winner against Fulham back in November.
The Argentine posted an image on Instagram of him punching the floor in frustration and another with his head in his hands along with the caption: “When you don’t understand what is happening, remember that God is in control. I trust the plan you have for me.”
Given United’s injury list with Antony and Anthony Martial sidelined, Garnacho is bound to get another opportunity to impress before too long but Sancho may have earned himself his first start since October when United face Leeds again on Sunday.
Jadon Sancho sparkles off the bench in Man Utd’s draw vs Leeds United
Manchester United forward Jadon Sancho produced a brilliant performance off the bench as the Red Devils shared the spoils against Leeds United last night.
The Red Devils were overwhelming favourites for the Roses derby but made the worst possible start with Wilfried Gnonto scoring after just 56 seconds for Leeds.
A Raphael Varane own goal made it 2-0 in Leeds’ favour in the 48th minute, but United made a terrific comeback to pick up a point against their old rivals.
Marcus Rashford continued his rich vein of scoring form with a superb headed goal in the 62nd minute before Sancho levelled the scores eight minutes later.
Sancho made his first Premier League appearance of the season since October and he was up for the challenge with a terrific 36-minute cameo for the club.
The England star bagged the key equaliser in the 70th minute after wonderful link-up play with Luke Shaw but he was also impressive with his overall display.
Sancho looked confident with the ball at his feet, completing 21 out of his 22 passes (95 per cent accuracy). He also provided three key passes while winning two duels.
The 22-year-old lacked the cutting edge in the final third earlier this season. He barely took on opposition defenders with a lack of confidence being evident.
We saw a different Sancho yesterday. He looked like the player from his Borussia Dortmund days and definitely appears transformed after the recent break.
The manager sent him on a special training programme to the Netherlands during the winter period and the decision seems to be proving worthwhile already.
Hopefully, the £53 million-rated star will be rewarded with a starting role against Leeds at Elland Road on Sunday. United must make a quick start off the blocks.
The club are currently four points ahead of fifth-place Tottenham Hotspur. They must return to winning ways with a Champions League spot on the line.
United boss Erik ten Hag should make more than one change. Facundo Pellistri could be handed his full Premier League debut after yesterday’s showing.
Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk; manutdnews.com
