LEEDS, Feb 21: Celebrating scoring Manchester United’s fourth goal, Anthony Elanga held a finger to his lips. No way were the Leeds fans being silenced, though.
No chance. Not when they’d waited 19 years to see their fiercest rival at Elland Road in the Premier League, initially because of relegation and then pandemic curbs on fans.
The tide turned in United’s favor to win a six-goal thriller on a drenched pitch. Fred and Elanga secured the 4-2 victory and kept United on course to stay fourth.
Harry Maguire headed in the opener in the 34th minute from Luke Shaw’s corner and then celebrated in front of the home fans.
It looked game over when Bruno Fernandes headed in another in the fifth minute of stoppage time at the end of the first half from Jadon Sancho’s cross.
All it took was 24 seconds of play for Leeds, starting with the goal as unpredictable for David de Gea in the visiting goal as the weather.
It appeared Rodrigo was sending in a cross from the left but the ball bent beyond the goalkeeper’s reach and inside the post in the 53rd.
The home supporters didn’t have to wait long to see another. Dan James crossed to the far post where Raphinha slid ahead of Shaw to nudge the ball in.
United was reeling until a slick team goal in the 70th regained the lead. It began with Fernandes gaining possession inside his own half and running through unchallenged before laying the ball off to Ronaldo.
Fred received a pass from the Portuguese before laying the ball off to Sancho. A run into the penalty area gave the England international time for the return pass to Fred and the Brazilian beat Illan Meslier at his near post.
But another comeback was beyond Leeds as United’s quality prevailed to put the game away. Fernandes flicked the ball over Pascal Struijk before passing for Elanga to apply the finishing touch to complete a thrilling match.
Wolves vs Leicester City
Daniel Podence’s goal from 20 yards gave Wolverhampton a 2-1 win over Leicester after he played a part in the opener. After his cross wasn’t cleared, Raul Jimenez laid the ball back to Ruben Neves who shot through the hands of goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.
Podence’s winner, after Ademola Lookman poked in the equalizer in the 41st, ensured Wolves remained six points behind fourth-place United with two games in hand. (AP)
