Manchester United were disappointing in defeat to Leeds. Here are the winners and losers from the loss at Old Trafford.
On a long-awaited return to action, Manchester United flattered to deceive against Leeds, ending up being beaten 2-1 after one of the worst first-half performances in recent memory.
Things did improve in terms of performance, but United had some really poor performers in the game, which ultimately saw too much left to do.
In defeat, there were still some winners, but they were outweighed by the losers.
Lisandro Martinez playing for Manchester United
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Who was Man United’s worst performer vs Leeds?
A terrible performance but who let United down most?
Manchester United v Leeds United - Premier League
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Losers
Given the result, we are starting with the losers.
Noussair Mazraoui: Handed a golden opportunity by Michael Carrick to start with Diogo Dalot ill recently, Mazraoui did not take his chance.
The Moroccan international was poor defensively and offensively, with his start only serving to reemphasise why Diogo Dalot is the first choice.
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Mazraoui hasn’t been good for months, and this summer, it wouldn’t be shocking if he were a casualty.
Manuel Ugarte: Similar to Mazraoui, circumstance handed Ugarte a surprising start against Leeds, but his performance means that he won’t be getting another anytime soon.
The gulf between Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo is massive, with the Uruguayan not a suitable partner for Casemiro.
Ugarte was one of United’s worst players against Leeds, and his exit this summer looks all the more likely.
Lisandro Martinez: On the loser list for reasons outside of purely his performance is Martinez, as he was unfortunate to be sent off in the game.
After the referee deemed Martinez to have ‘pulled’ Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair, labelled as ‘violent conduct’, he saw red, but this decision has left fans and pundits in uproar.
Michael Carrick was furious post-game, and rightly so. Now, United will have to fight the suspension.
Is Michael Carrick the right man? United have only won one of the last four games…
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Senne Lammens: It was a rare poor performance by Lammens, with his usual calmness lacking, which spread to the back four.
He wasn’t responsible for the goals completely, but Lammens’ passing was frustrating and left Bruno Fernandes annoyed.
One instance saw him give Leny Yoro an impossible ball to control, and this almost saw Leeds 3-0 up inside the opening 45 minutes.
Benjamin Sesko: Up front, United once again lacked quality in the front line, with Sesko failing to perform to the levels he has shown recently.
Sesko had a big chance in the game, but he fluffed his lines, as his shot was timid and easily saved, while a couple of other chances should also have been utilised better.
Far from the worst player on the pitch, but United need goals, and he has earned higher expectations.
Why have the goals dried up? Who is going to go on a scoring run?
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Mason Mount: While Ugarte struggled in midfield to offer any progression, Mount sat on the bench despite being ready to play.
Carrick said Mount was fit for this game, yet he was an unused substitute, with the game crying out for his introduction.
Despite flashes of his talent under Ruben Amorim, Mount has failed to perform again this season, and United should be trying to sell this summer.
Winners
Now onto the short list of winners.
Bruno Fernandes: Arguably, the biggest positive of the game was Fernandes getting another assist in his quest to claim the record for most in a Premier League season.
Fernandes was an individual highlight, creating chances for his teammates and playing an all-around role after going down to 10 men.
He deserves so much better.
Bruno Fernandes’ assist was the only positive – Will he break the record?
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Casemiro: Another winner for United was the goalscorer Casemiro, who scored his 25th goal for Manchester United, and number eight this season.
Fernandes and Casemiro are the league’s most lucrative duo in terms of their combination for goals.
It will be so difficult to replace him this summer; hopefully, United have plans in motion already.
Leny Yoro: One winner that won’t be universally accepted is Yoro, as the Frenchman had a 50/50 night for United.
Like his teammates, the first half saw Calvert-Lewin get the better, but in the second half, especially with 10 men, Yoro stepped up and handled the situation really well.
To play over half an hour as the only centre-back and not concede shows his quality, and his number proves he was very busy.
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