Man Utd vs Leeds LIVE: Premier League result and final score as Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford earn draw
Manchester United 2-2 Leeds United: The visitors led by two goals but Erik ten Hag’s side denied their rivals a vital win as Rashford and Sancho rescued a draw
Substitute Jadon Sancho secured Manchester United a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Leeds to deny their managerless rivals a famous first league win at Old Trafford in 42 years.
The relegation-threatened Whites sacked Jesse Marsch on Monday and caretaker replacement Michael Skubala was on course to mastermind an unforgettable victory two days later.
Wilfried Gnonto fired the visitors ahead after 55 seconds and Raphael Varane turned into his own goal early in the second half as Leeds dreamt of a first league win at Old Trafford since February 1981.
But Erik ten Hag’s United are made of stern stuff and rallied impressively, with Marcus Rashford’s header followed by substitute Sancho’s first goal since September in a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Illan Meslier superbly stopped Varane scoring a winner at the end of a rip-roaring tussle that adds excitement ahead of Sunday’s return fixture at a bouncing Elland Road.
Follow all the reaction from Old Trafford as Man Utd take on Leeds in the Premier League:
Man Utd vs Leeds
Leeds’ only win in their last 17 Premier League games against Manchester United was 1-0 at Elland Road in September 2002, when Harry Kewell scored the winner.
The Yorkshire club are winless in 17 top-flight matches at Old Trafford since a 1-0 victory there on 28 February 1981, when Brian Flynn scored the only goal.
They’ve drawn six and lost 11 matches during that run.
Leeds chairman gives update on next manager hunt after Jesse Marsch’s sacking
Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani says the club needs more time in their hunt for a new manager.
The Yorkshire club sacked Jesse Marsch on Monday and Radrizzani has since been replying to messages posted to him on Twitter by Leeds fans asking whether they were closing in on a replacement.
The Italian had hinted on Tuesday night that an announcement by Leeds was imminent, saying: “We are on it. Hopefully white smoke by tonight or (tomorrow) morning.”
But when quizzed by fans again at lunchtime on Wednesday, Radrizzani replied: “Not yet… need more time. Let’s support the lads now. Keep you posted – Andrea Radrizzani.”
Leeds chairman gives update on next manager hunt
The Yorkshire club sacked Jesse Marsch on Monday and are searching for his replacement
What football would look like without Financial Fair Play
In the frantic exchanges between Premier League executives after Monday, there has been a general consensus that Manchester City should be severely punished if alleged breaches are proven - but that still doesn’t mean there is consensus on the actual rules they are claimed to have broken.
The very concept of Financial Fair Play remains a fracture point in the game. Many still believe it is wholly unfair. Some at City have always argued this, and a dominant narrative in the debate has been that the idea should be abolished because it is entirely designed to preserve the old order and prevent new forces or “new money” rising.
“They’re pulling up the drawbridge” is a successfully persuasive line of argument. That isn’t actually the case, and was never the intention, especially since the concept was first conceived when City had Rolando Bianchi up front.
The wonder is whether those who argue this have ever actually considered the opposition, and what would happen if FFP was abolished and “the drawbridge” was dropped.
What football would look like without Financial Fair Play
As Manchester City stand charged with breaching financial rules, some in the game are considering the wider implications of removing them entirely
Man Utd vs Leeds prediction
Manchester United have won their last 13 matches at home and take on a Leeds side in poor form. Casemiro’s absence will be a big miss but Erik ten Hag’s men should have enough quality to overcome Leeds tonight.
Manchester United 2-0 Leeds.
Why is Manchester United vs Leeds not on TV?
The match was not scheduled to be on TV before it was postponed and therefore is unable to be shown now, even though it has been rescheduled.
Manchester United vs Leeds United was originally meant to be played on Saturday 17 September at 3pm but was then moved to Sunday 18 September due to the Old Trafford club’s involvement in the Europa League.
The match was then postponed following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. All fixtures scheduled on the weekend of 10-11 September were postponed, with a further three also called off the following weekend due to policing issues - including Manchester United vs Leeds United. It is a category one fixture for the police, so it required additional policing that was unavailable due to the Queen’s funeral taking place that weekend.
A new date of Wednesday 8 February was eventually confirmed after both Manchester United and Leeds United advanced to the fifth round of the FA Cup without requiring a replay. However, as the match was not selected by either Sky Sports or BT Sport on its initial date, it is unable to be shown on Wednesday.
Man Utd vs Leeds predicted line-ups
Man Utd XI: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw, Fred, Sabitzer, Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford, Weghorst
Leeds XI: Meslier, Ayling, Cooper, Wober, Struijk, Adams, Roca, Sinisterra, Harrison, Gnonto, Bamford
What is the early team news?
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro is suspended for three matches following a red card against Crystal Palace on Saturday. Marcel Sabitzer made his United debut against the Eagles and could earn a first start in Casemiros’s absence.
Erik ten Hag ruled Antony, Scott McTominay and Anthony Martial out of the clash, but Diogo Dalot featured in the matchday squad at the weekend and could be in line for a start. Donny van de Beek and Christian Eriksen remain long-term absentees.
As for Leeds, forward Rodrigo has been sidelined for six to eight weeks after an ankle injury he sustained last month.
Stuart Dallas is recovering from an ongoing thigh injury, but Robin Koch should be available to return after serving a one-match suspension during the 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
When is Man Utd vs Leeds?
Manchester United face Leeds on Wednesday 8 February, with kick off at 8pm GMT.
The fixture won’t be shown live on TV in the UK, but you can follow The Independent’s live blog coverage for all the build-up and match action from 6pm.
Man Utd vs Leeds
Good evening and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Premier League action as Manchester United host Leeds in a rearranged fixture.
Wednesday’s fixture was rearranged following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September. A new date was eventually confirmed after both teams advanced to the fifth round of the FA Cup without requiring a fourth-round replay.
This will be the first match Leeds play since sacking head coach Jesse Marsch on Monday and they’ll hope that a change in direction can help them move further away from the relegation zone. The Whites are just above the bottom three - via goal difference - but a win at Old Trafford tonight would shoot them a couple of places up the table.
Manchester United meanwhile will want to improve on their impressive home record. The Red Devils have won their last 13 home games under Erik ten Hag - across all competitions - and could draw level with Manchester City in second place if they collect all three points this evening.
Due to the fixture being moved from a previous 3pm kick off none of the UK broadcasters are showing the match but we’ll have all the updates, build-up and action on our live blog so stick with us.
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