Manchester United news: Ralf Rangnick pleased with 'emotional' win over Leeds United
- Planet Sport writer
- 20 February 2022
The Red Devils battled through stormy conditions to seal a scrappy 4-2 win against bitter rivals Leeds United.
After racing to a 2-0 lead in the first half courtesy of a Harry Maguire header and a Bruno Fernandes finish, Manchester United suddenly found themselves facing a Leeds comeback in the second half.
Rodrigo's looping cross caught David de Gea off guard, and just a minute later Raphinha drew the hosts level from close range.
However, Ralf Rangnick took action moments later, bringing off Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard in the place of Fred and Anthony Elanga.
Fred gave United the lead with 20 minutes to go, and then Elanga capped off the win in the 88th minute to hand the visitors the three points.
Ralf enjoyed that one 💪#MUFC | #LEEMUN pic.twitter.com/YrIhAix8nd
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 20, 2022
It marked United's second win this week, following their 2-0 triumph over Brighton on Tuesday.
Following the final whistle, Rangnick praised his side's performance:
"We knew that it was an important win today," interim boss Rangnick said after a week in which Harry Maguire and Marcus Rashford publicly dismissed talk of divides in the dressing room.
"It was similar to the one against West Ham. That was similarly emotional at the end with the last-second goal.
"But today it was more important, not only that we won the game but the way that we reacted after conceding the equaliser.
"That was the best possible answer the team could give. It was perfect with regard to maturity, unity and the best reply that they could give to some articles last week that there was some disruption in the locker room.
"I think a game like this one today you can only win as a team and with the mentality of a team and this was, apart from the three points, the most important thing."
UP. THE. REDS! 🔴#MUFC | #LEEMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 20, 2022
The loss leaves Leeds down in 15th place in the Premier League, and Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa believes his side deserved more from their performance.
"The effort the team made you can value it, but the relationship between what you get and what they produced is enormous in football," the Leeds boss said.
"To not fight would be a sign that is worrying and to fight is a starting point. But it is not the only thing."
