Leeds United maintained their unbeaten run with a hard-fought draw against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon, and below are LeedsUnited.News’ player ratings.
Leeds were tasked with going seven games without defeat as they returned to Elland Road, after earning a point at Anfield against Liverpool. But they had to do so without captain and leader, Ethan Ampadu.
Joe Rodon and Dan James were also missing, but Sean Longstaff was a surprise inclusion on the Leeds bench. The first half was largely equal, a scrappy affair with Dominic Calvert-Lewin hitting the post.
The second half saw the game burst into life. Brenden Aaronson scored his second of the season with a gorgeous finish, only for Matheus Cunha to equalise two minutes later. Below, are our player ratings.
Leeds United player ratings v Manchester United
Lucas Perri – 5
Oh, Lucas Perri. The Brazilian arguably produced his best moment in a Leeds shirt – a stunning save to deny Leno Yoro. But his kicking was poor and arguably, he should have stayed on his line for the goal.
James Justin – 7
Never stopped running on the right flank. Up and down constantly, including a lung-busting run with Luke Shaw that saw him win a corner on the byline. Perhaps just a touch out of position at times.
Sebastiaan Bornauw – 5 (replaced by Gnonto, ’80)
If fans needed reminding why Joe Rodon starts and Belgium star Bornauw doesn’t, the biggest difference is pace. Cunha ran off Bornuaw and the Belgian couldn’t catch him. Rodon might have.
Jaka Bijol – 7
Rock solid as always, as Bijol’s importance in this Leeds side grows with every game, especially in Rodon’s absence. Benjamin Sesko, Bijol’s Slovenian teammate, was forced to feed off scraps throughout the game.
Pascal Struijk – 6
Once again, nice and solid. Good in the air, but Leeds might have hoped for a bit more of a threat in attacking set-pieces. This role, as a left-sided centre-back, does seem to suit Struijk to perfection.
Gabi Gudmundsson – 7
Brenden Aaronson gets in this side because of his immense stamina, but Gudmundsson’s is pretty good too. Energy of a Duracell bunny on that left flank, never out of position because of his superb running.
Ilia Gruev – 7 (replaced by Tanaka, ’80)
If Leeds fans were worried about losing Ethan Ampadu, they needn’t have worried. Gruev was solid in everything he did, kept the ball well and actually, the Bulgarian was superb in the air.
Anton Stach – 6
Quiet day, on the whole, for Stach. Involved in the midfield battle but that bit of magic that we’ve seen from the German in recent weeks was missing today. Still, a solid, battling performance from Stach.
Brenden Aaronson – 9 (replaced by Piroe, ’87)
Aaronson seems to have a new confidence. It’s come ever since Daniel Farke defended the American in public. A second goal, a gorgeous finish, was made all by himself. Deserved to be on the winning side.
The £25m man has had it tough but with every game at the moment, his confidence is growing. His running was infectious; he scored a super goal, arguably his best-ever moment in a Leeds United shirt.
Noah Okafor – 6 (replaced by Nmecha, ’75)
The Swiss star always provides a threat for Leeds and he did test Senne Lammens in the second half from a set-piece. But an issue with Okafor is his hold-up play, something Jon Newsome has criticised before.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 7
So close to getting himself an eighth goal in eight games, and a ninth for the season. A super header in the first half that kissed the far post. Good battle with Ayden Heaven, worked hard and led the line.
Subs
Lukas Nmecha – 5 (replaced Okafor, ’75)
Lost the ball in a couple of promising positions late on, from the left-wing position.
Willy Gnonto – 6 (replaced Bornauw, ’80)
Made things happen after coming off the bench, including a neat pass into Anton Stach that led to Piroe curling an effort just over the bar.
Ao Tanaka – N/A (replaced Gruev, ’80)
Did little, but did spray a gorgeous 60-yard pass to Nmecha late on.
Joel Piroe – 6 (replaced Aaronson, ’87)
Unlucky not to score with his first touch, a gorgeous curling effort.
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