Scott McTominay scored a quickfire double as Manchester United stormed to victory over Leeds United in what was an enthralling and end-to-end Roses Derby.
McTominay, who last scored for the Red Devils in March, rifled home a superb long-range strike after just 67 seconds
before coolly slotting past helpless Leeds keeper Illan Meslier again just minutes later.
It was a fast and furious start to the game, and a welcome change for United fans after seeing their team start slowly several times this season. After just 20 minutes, the lead was extended by Bruno Fernandes, who continued his purple patch with a well-struck attempt, having already set up McTominay’s first.
United’s advantage extended to four goals after some poor Leeds marking from a corner kick allowed Swedish defender Victor Lindelof to steal away from his marker and latch on to Anthony Martial’s flick on.
However, Leeds weren’t dead and buried yet, and managed to grab a goal back through captain Liam Cooper on the stroke of 41 minutes. This time it was United’s turn to attempt some comical marking, and the Scotsman’s header crashed in off the post. It was a just reward for their attacking efforts, but their defending left a lot to be desired.
After the break, it appeared as if Leeds were gunning for an extraordinary comeback and Brazilian winger Raphinha saw an excellent volley parried away by David de Gea, who showed superb reflexes to divert the strike onto the post. Leeds’ wingers proved useful throughout but were missing the final touch that you need to succeed at the highest level.
Daniel James, who was seconds from signing for Leeds in January 2019, made sure of the three points for United on 66 minutes when he broke through the Leeds backline and slid his shot through the legs of a despairing Meslier.
It was now 5-1 and it was only going to get worse for Leeds.
Just minutes later, as the game ticked towards the closing stages, Martial was tripped by Pascal Struijk in the box and – after the now obligatory VAR check – a penalty was awarded. And like night follows day, Fernandes stepped up and calmly sent Meslier the wrong way.
Leeds did grab another consolation in sensational style soon after as utility man Stuart Dallas, who’s been at the club since 2015, curled a wonderful effort into the top corner from 20 yards out. Potentially the pick of the bunch from the goals we were treated to on Sunday.
It must be noted that despite being three or four goals down for large parts of the game, Leeds showed a great commitment in their constant pressing style and this will have pleased Marcelo Bielsa to no end. However, they were simply undone on the day by the better team. United’s front four of Fernandes, James, Martial and Marcus Rashford asked questions which Leeds simply didn’t have the answers to.
United are next in action in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday as they take on Everton – who are currently on a hot streak themselves. That game kicks off at 8pm.
Leeds have a week to recover before their next game when they’ll take on a Burnley side looking to pick up some valuable points in the hunt for survival. That kicks off at midday on Sunday 27th December.
By Dylan Chavasse
