Leeds 0-0 Man Utd: Player ratings as old rivals play out dull draw
By Tom Gott
Manchester United's first league trip to Elland Road since 2003 wasn't a memorable one as they played out an underwhelming 0-0 draw with Leeds.
Heading into this game, these were the two sides involved in the most goals in this Premier League season, so predictably, the first half was largely boring. It took Leeds half an hour to wake up and turn this into a match, but the best chance of the first half fell to Marcus Rashford, whose 45th-minute free-kick brought out an excellent save from Illan Meslier.
There was a bit more life in the second half, which turned into an end-to-end affair around the hour mark. Mason Greenwood, Daniel James and Bruno Fernandes all had half-chances to score, while Mateusz Klich and Luke Ayling both asked questions of Dean Henderson, but the high-tempo ending produced very little in front of goal and both sides were forced to share the points.
LEEDS UNITED PLAYER RATINGS
1. Goalkeeper & Defenders
Illan Meslier (GK) - 7/10 - Wasn't tested too often but did well when called upon. Made an excellent save for Rashford's free-kick.
Luke Ayling (RB) - 8/10 - Enjoyed his battle with Rashford and James and usually came out on top. Made the highlight of the first half by telling the linesman to 'stop waiting for VAR and use your f*****g flag'.
Diego Llorente (CB) - 7/10 - Continues to get better and better at the heart of Leeds' defence. Kept Rashford and Greenwood frustrated all afternoon and impressed with his passing.
Pascal Struijk (CB) - 7/10 - Looks to be settling into his role as Leeds' starting centre-back. Impressed during open play but was mauled by Maguire far too often from set-pieces.
Ezgjan Alioski (LB) - 5/10 - United targeted Alioski, who struggled to deal with Greenwood, Rashford and Fernandes' movement. Got into some good positions in attack but didn't do enough at either end.
2. Midfielders
Kalvin Phillips (DM) - 8/10 - Proved why he is so important to Leeds. Was a powerful presence in midfield throughout and stuck to Fernandes like glue. Kept him out of the game with ease.
Helder Costa (RM) - 5/10 - Shaw had a field day against Costa, whose energy at both ends of the field was nowhere near good enough. Did more harm than good.
Stuart Dallas (CM) - 5/10 - Kept things ticking with some good passing but was not strong enough in the midfield battle. Lost out to McTominay and Fred far too often.
Tyler Roberts (CM) - 5/10 - A real mixed bag. Made some exciting runs forward but constantly struggled with the ball at his feet.
Jack Harrison (LM) - 4/10 - Rough. Very rough. Created so little and was very sloppy with his final ball, and his defensive work was not up to scratch either. Leeds' left side had a bit of a shocker.
3. Forward
Patrick Bamford (ST) - 5/10 - Didn't do anything wrong because he didn't do anything at all. Starved for service but didn't make himself available enough anyway.
4. Substitutes
Ian Poveda - 6/10
Mateusz Klich - 5/10
Robin Koch - 6/10
MANCHESTER UNITED PLAYER RATINGS
5. Goalkeeper & Defenders
Dean Henderson (GK) - 7/10 - Was so bored as a goalkeeper that he spent most of the game as a third centre-half. Enjoyed a lot of the ball and did well with his kicks.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB) - 7/10 - Stifled Harrison and Alioski with some excellent defending, but also managed to impress in attack. Can still improve in the final third but is obviously getting there.
Victor Lindelof (CB) - 8/10 - Marked Bamford out of the game and spent most of the afternoon cosplaying as Andrea Pirlo with some long balls, most of which weren't too bad.
Harry Maguire (CB) - 6/10 - Comfortable at the back but needed to do more with his head in the Leeds box. Had a handful of good opportunities but wasted each one.
Luke Shaw (LB) - 7/10 - His job was made easier by Costa forgetting how to play football, but Shaw was still excellent nonetheless. Showed real speed and strength to knock back all challengers.
6. Midfielders
Scott McTominay (DM) - 7/10 - Had a fun physical battle with Phillips and chipped in with some vital defensive contributions, but left a lot to be desired in attack.
Fred (DM) - 7/10 - Proved his doubters wrong by showing some real intelligence in defence. Positioned himself perfectly on a number of occasions and single-handedly broke up several Leeds attacks.
Daniel James (RM) - 5/10 - Did not enjoy the battle with Leeds' physical backline. Came off second best in nearly every duel and didn't do enough with his rare sights of goal.
Bruno Fernandes (AM) - 5/10 - Suffocated by Phillips throughout and had to wait until midway through the second half before he could find some space. When he finally got on the ball, he was a little wasteful.
Marcus Rashford (LM) - 5/10 - Interchanged with Greenwood in attack but couldn't do much from either position. Ayling was all over him throughout and clearly roughed him up.
7. Forward
Mason Greenwood (ST) - 6/10 - Looked like United's dangerman. Drifted between the wing and the central striker role to find space behind Leeds' backline, but was sloppy with his finishing.
8. Substitutes
Paul Pogba - 7/10
Edinson Cavani - N/A
Donny van de Beek - N/A