Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was aggrieved at the manner in which United started both halves during his side’s 2-2 draw against Leeds United at Old Trafford.
With United not being switched on, Leeds took the lead in the first minute of the game through Wilfried Gnonto, who struck a shot past David de Gea’s near post and United were once again slow out of the blocks at the start of the second half as an own goal from Raphael Varane gave the Whites a two goal advantage.
Speaking after the game, ten Hag said: “I’m so angry we started a derby in this way. I want to play now [against Leeds] immediately but I have to wait, my players the same. We have to save our energy and make sure we are ready for Sunday”[via United Zone].
Erik ten Hag: “I’m so angry we started a derby in this way. I want to play now [against Leeds] immediately but I have to wait, my players the same. We have to save our energy and make sure we are ready for Sunday.” #MUFC
— United Zone (@ManUnitedZone_) February 8, 2023
You could argue that United should have defended both goals better because they should have not allowed Gnonto the ability to shift on to his right-foot, and the second goal could have been avoided had United been more composed in possession, as because they lost the ball, it gave Leeds encouragement to attack United, which was what they did and they took full advantage.
Nevertheless, United bounced back from 2-0 down as goals from Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho ensured that the Reds came away with a point, which will satisfy ten Hag because it shows that the team are able to recover from different situations and that toughness might be needed as United head into the business end of the season.
Even though he was angry at how United started both halves, he was pleased by the “resilience” that his side showed in coming back from two goals down.
“I have to make compliments to the team for the resilience and the way they fight back. I think we make some really good football, great chances and, finally, also we finished and scored two great goals” [via Man United].
This was special.
❤️ @Sanchooo10#MUFC || #MUNLEE pic.twitter.com/VHDTF4sYbm
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 8, 2023
United could have snatched all three points but Illan Meslier produced a quality save to prevent Varane’s header from going in, however, United have the chance to make amends from last night’s draw when they take on Leeds at Elland Road on Sunday afternoon, which kicks off at 2pm UK time and unlike the game at the Theatre of Dreams, the return fixture will be shown live on TV, with Sky Sports showing the match.