Manchester United scored two late goals to defeat Leeds United 2-0 in Premier League battle at Elland Road.
Referee: Paul Tierney
Four days after the two teams drew 2-2 at Old Trafford, Crysencio Summerville and Bruno Fernandes each had two chances to put their teams ahead in the first half, but failed to do so.
Despite the score being goalless for most of the match, the chances kept coming, with Diogo Dalot hitting the woodwork in the second half.
However, just when it looked as though both teams would have to settle for a point, Rashford opened the scoring with a header before Garnacho netted his second Premier League goal to clinch all three points.
The Red Devils sit in second place, ahead of local rivals Manchester City, who regain their place with a draw or better against Aston Villa, while Leeds remain just one point from the relegation zone.
Leeds, who are still searching for a successor to Jesse Marsch, took the first-minute lead against Man United on Wednesday and although they failed to find an early breakthrough this time around, they made another impressive start.
Patrick Bamford was parried by David de Gea from close range and Summerville squandered a promising chance on the resulting rebound, forcing his shot over the crossbar.
After being caught off guard by Leeds’ quick start, the visitors managed to create an opening on 20 minutes, but Fernandes fired harmlessly wide.
As it turned out, Summerville and Fernandes each had a chance just before the break.
The Leeds midfielder was thwarted by the Man United goalkeeper, while Fernandes looked set to give his side the lead when he intercepted Maximilian Wober’s relentless pass, but Illan Meslier’s right foot ensured the net was kept clean.
With 15 minutes to recharge, Leeds took off in the second half and again Summerville were the only ones involved.
After receiving the ball from Tyler Adams on the edge of the box, the Dutchman fired from the edge of the box, taking advantage of a clever save by De Gea.
Leeds continued to attack forward in an attempt to find the opening goal, with Jack Harrison and Luke Ayling firing wide in quick succession.
Erik ten Hag’s side began to recover from a period of dominance over Leeds and came awfully close to finding the net through an unlikely source.
Dalot collected the ball outside the Leeds box and unleashed a ferocious shot that hit the crossbar.
With the clock on 80 minutes, the visitors finally found a way to goal with Rashford finding space through the Leeds defense to score from Luke Shaw’s perfect cross.
Rashford’s 12th Premier League goal of the season wrapped up Leeds’ victory, and with the opposition knocked out, Man United quickly added a second.
After coming off the bench, Garnacho deliberately hit the ball into the left-back box before passing the ball to Meslier.
There was still time for Rashford and Wout Weghorst to have their goals disallowed for offside, but those disallowed efforts would not have dampened the spirits of Man United, who extended their unbeaten run to six games in all competitions.
The Red Devils’ next game is a tough trip to Camp Nou on Thursday, where they will face La Liga leaders Barcelona in the first leg of the Europa League play-offs.
Meanwhile, Leeds are hoping to have a new permanent manager when they face relegation rivals Everton on Saturday.
Lineups:
Meslier, Ayling, Firpo, Koch, Bamford (Rutter 58’), Summerville, Harrison (Aaronson 73’), Adams, McKennie (Greenwood 86’), Gnonto, Wober
Subs not used: Robles, Gyabi, Kristensen, Monteiro, Joseph, Mullen
De Gea (GK), Maguire, Fernandes, Rashford (Elanga 90’), Malacia (Martinez 61’), Sabitzer, Fred, Dalot (Wan-Bissaka 73’), Shaw, Sancho (Garnacho 61’), Weghorst
Subs not used: Heaton, Lindelof, Varane, Pellistri, Iqbal
Scorers:
85′ Garnacho
Booking:
Firpo, McKennie
Fred
Man of the Match : Marcus Rashford