Marcus Rashford meeting Erik ten Hag’s pre-season targets as Man Utd boss rates his level

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was delighted after his side scored twice inside the final 10 minutes at Elland Road to clinch a crucial 2-0 win over Leeds United

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Leeds United v Manchester United in pictures

Erik ten Hag hailed Marcus Rashford after the Manchester United forward inspired a late, late show to put Leeds to the sword in a 2-0 win at Elland Road.

Both sides headed in level at the break after a feisty first-half before Rashford nodded the visitors into an 80th minute lead. A stunning solo strike from second-half substitute Alejandro Garnacho just five minutes later sealed the points for United, who were held to a 2-2 draw by their bitter rivals in the reverse fixture earlier in the week.

Sunday’s result nudges Manchester United into second in the Premier League ahead of Manchester City; although Pep Guardiola’s side do have two games in hand on United and could reclaim their spot in the table with victory over Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.

Rashford’s 21st goal of the season set United on their way to another big result and he was lauded by Ten Hag, who claimed that the 25-year-old is one of the best forwards in Europe. He said: “What a strike! That’s what he’s aiming for every game. I told him at the start of the season, every game you will be in the position to score and you have the capabilities to score, it’s about keeping focus – if he does that, he scores.”

He continued: “He [Rashford] is definitely one of them (best strikers in Europe). I was excited to work with him and thought I could get more out of him.”

Bruno Fernandes missed a gilt-edged chance on the stroke of half-time – but Ten Hag was adamant that the breakthrough would come if United could improve their composure.

He told Sky Sports after the match: “It’s the meaning of the first goal. We’ve seen it on the Wednesday at Old Trafford [and] the following effects. And you’ve seen it today when Bruno [Fernandes] before half-time, he goes close twice. One has to be in. He was really disappointed about that, but I said, ‘Come on, the third will be in!’ Okay, it didn’t come for him but for Rashford, but it’s about that and more composure in the game.

Join the debate! What did you make of Man Utd’s performance against Leeds on Sunday? Let us know here.

Erik ten Hag was satisfied with Manchester United’s victory against Leeds (

Image:

MUTV)

“I think that was the big problem. It’s normal; it’s a derby, it’s a rivalry. In possession, you have to be calm and we were not calm enough.

“Once again we show that we are a squad. We are the only team in the whole of Europe that is playing in four competitions. You have to use your squad. Everyone is contributing. Everyone is important; that’s a good thing to know and also you can use it tactically. We did that today and we are happy with the win.”

After falling behind inside the opening minutes in midweek, United were slow out of the blocks again at Elland Road. But Leeds, who were once again managed by U21 coach Michael Skubala, were eventually put to the sword by United’s late double.

The result leaves Leeds stay rooted in 17th spot, just one place above the relegation zone and Everton, who have played one game less than the Whites.