Leeds United
Jamie Carragher. Credit: Imago
Leeds United fans will ecstatic after clinching a hue win over their rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford. With their win on Monday night, the Whites have gone six points clear of the relegation zone.
Before the game, both teams were in totally different mindsets. Manchester United had European ambition in sight, and had just lost one game in their last five under Michael Carrick. Leeds on the other hand, had been struggling for form and only managed two points from their last four games.
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But what happened at Old Trafford stunned everyone; Daniel Farke’s side began the game at a high tempo. They denied Carrick’s side any space and made the game difficult for them. Leeds also managed to threaten anytime they had the ball; they scored just five minutes into the game. Okafor scored a brace, and Casemiro pulled one back for the home side, but it was too late as Leeds United walked away with the points.
Jamie Carragher praises Leeds United duo after Old Trafford display
The Whites’ first half performance was key to them winning the game. They closed down Manchester United all over the pitch, and won all their duels in the middle of the park. Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu were the standout performers, and Jamie Carragher made sure to highlight that after the game.
“Manchester United have been absolutely battered, we’ve seen the stats there, the two midfield players, Ampadu and Tanaka, have been absolutely outstanding and Manchester United were fortunate it wasn’t 3-0.”
Tanaka had two interceptions and won three of his four ground duels, with Ampadu making three interceptions and winning three ground duels. They made the game very difficult for Manchester United on the night.
READ MORE: ‘Leeds bossed it’ – Jamie Carragher makes honest admission about win over Manchester United
Ao Tanaka proving his worth to Daniel Farke
After weeks on the bench, and only featuring in the FA Cup, Ao Tanaka was handed a start. Many players would have struggled coming into a big game from weeks on the bench, but the Japanese international stood out. Against Manchester United, he showed flashes of what he delivered last season; technical ability on the ball and industriousness off it. He won his duels in the middle of the park and made things difficult for his opponents. If this game is anything to go by, Farke will no doubt have Anton Stach’s deputy while the German is out injured for the next few weeks.