Matt Kilgallon has BBC Radio Leeds that Georginio Rutter has to do more for Leeds United after his performance in the agonising defeat to Manchester United on Sunday.
The Whites conceded two second-half goals once again against Erik ten Hag’s men. Unfortunately, we did not have two of our own beforehand this time around.
Leeds were the better side for much of the game. Michael Skubala’s men seemed to largely have the visitors under control. And Illan Meslier did not have a lot to do. However, once again this season, a positive performance has ended in defeat.
Kilgallon not impressed by Rutter in Leeds defeat
Leeds were knocking on the door. Interestingly, Skubala decided to replace Patrick Bamford before the hour-mark with the club’s record signing, Rutter.
Bamford was excellent in a lot of ways. But he was unable to produce that moment of magic Leeds desperately needed whenever he got a slight glimpse of goal.
Rutter was bright at Old Trafford in midweek. However, the Frenchman had a much tougher time on Sunday. The 20-year-old looked nowhere near as dangerous as Bamford had done.
There were some flashes of quality from the youngster. However, something was definitely lacking. And it hurt Leeds as the away side managed to score twice.
Certainly, Kilgallon felt that the January signing did not do enough.
“I know he’s only just joined the club, but Rutter’s still got to do more when he comes on. He’s got to match Bamford, you’re only on for 20 minutes, you’ve got to at least match his work-rate up there,” he told BBC Radio Leeds.
“Maguire hasn’t had any contact against him from the goal kicks or anything. Even Bamford, he wrestles in, he gets in, he doesn’t let Maguire just head it all the way back over. He’s had five or six free headers.”
It is hard to be too critical of Rutter at this stage. He is a young player who was not exactly prolific before his move from the Bundesliga in January.
However, he is also the club’s record signing. And while he does not have any say in the fee, it is difficult to not feel that he needs to make an impact in the coming games.
With Rodrigo sidelined, Leeds need others to step up in front of goal. Rutter is yet to do that.
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