United's stalemate at Leeds ahead of the crucial Europa League tie
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 25.04.21. | 17:51
With Pogba and Cavani on the bench the Red Devils struggled to create many chances against Marcelo Bielsa's side
With the domestic title hopes long gone, Manchester United have shifted their focus to Europa League, where they will face AS Roma on Thursday in the first leg of the semifinal. With that said, it's no wonder United's coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer left Paul Pogba and Edinson Cavani on the bench in today's Premier League tie at Elland Round against Leeds United.
This quite a physical game ended in a goalless draw, keeping United in the runners-up position on the table, while Leeds are the 9th.
The first half was disappointing on both ends of the pitch, with as many as two decent chances for the entire 45 minutes. Bits of the desired action were seen very late, near the half-time break, when, firstly, Marcus Rashford fired an almost perfect free-kick missile only to be denied by young home keeper Meslier. Less than a minute later, Harry Maguire jumped sky-high in the opposite box, but his header went too wide.
Leeds United’s message to Manchester United ahead of today’s game at Elland Road. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/XuaPVJMJiv
— mufcmpb (@mufcMPB) April 25, 2021
With no substitutions after the break, we witnessed another slow start, with United's midfielder Bruno Fernandes failing to break the deadlock despite the two promising opportunities. The latter was a product of the Wan-Bissaka's jaw-dropping slalom through Leeds' defence. His perfect pass found left-alone Bruno in the middle of the box, but his shot was off the target. On the other hand, Mason Greenwood managed to be more accurate and precise, but Meslier was determined to keep the clean sheet.
On the other end, the home team lacked aggressiveness and creativity in offence. At least, up until the 74th minute when Ayling stormed on the right flank, but his finishing was poor. With plenty of time still left on the clock, fans hoped to see some more action but the match ended in a stalemate.
PREMIER LEAGUE - Round 33
Friday
Arsenal - Everton 0-1 (0-1)
/Leno 76 og/
Saturday
Liverpool - Newcastle United 1-1 (1-0)
/Salah 3 - Willock 90+5/
West Ham United - Chelsea 0-1 (0-1)
/Werner 43/
Sheffield United - Brighton and Hove Albion 1-0 (1-0)
/McGoldrick 19/
Sunday
Wolverhampton Wanderers - Burnley 0-4 (0-3)
/Wood 15, 21, 44, Westwood 85/
Leeds United - Manchester United 0-0
21.00: Aston Villa - West Bromwich Albion
Monday
22.00: Leicester City - Crystal Palace
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