Manchester United and Leeds United played out a dramatic 2-2 draw at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, as the hosts came from two goals down to rescue a point. Wilfried Gnonto gave Leeds an early lead after just 55 seconds, before a Raphael Varane own goal and strikes from Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho ensured the spoils were shared.
The result means that United missed the chance to move level with second-placed Manchester City and are now seven points behind leaders Arsenal, having played two games more. Leeds, meanwhile, climb a place to 16th, just a point above the drop zone.
The in-form Gnonto, who had scored four goals in his previous seven games, gave the visitors a shock lead with a clinical finish, lashing the ball into the bottom corner after Bruno Fernandes was dispossessed.
Leeds, who were playing without a manager, continued to defend resolutely despite losing Luis Sinisterra and Pascal Struijk to injury in the first half. Loan signing Marcel Sabitzer, making his first start for the club, forced a fine save from Illan Meslier as United searched for an equaliser.
However, their hopes were dashed just three minutes after the restart, when Varane turned Crysencio Summerville’s cross into his own net. But the home side were not to be deterred, as Rashford scored with a brilliant header from Diogo Dalot’s cross, before Sancho levelled the scores with a goal that Meslier will feel he should have saved.
Despite pushing for a winner, United could not find a way past Meslier, as their run of 13 straight home wins was brought to an end.
The result leaves United in third place, seven points behind leaders Arsenal, while Leeds climb one place to 16th.
