Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho give Man Utd victory at Leeds

Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho struck late goals as Manchester United won 2-0 at Roses rivals Leeds to close the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Rashford maintained his rich scoring form by heading the visitors ahead in the 80th minute and substitute Garnacho delivered a knockout blow five minutes later.

Managerless Leeds went toe-to-toe with Erik ten Hag’s side for the second time in five days after drawing 2-2 at Old Trafford on Wednesday and will feel aggrieved to have finished the game empty-handed.

Leeds United v Manchester United – Premier League – Elland Road
Man Utd closed to within five points of Arsenal with the victory (Danny Lawson/PA)

It is understood former Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder was at Elland Road as Leeds’ search for a new manager heads into a second week and the Dutchman will have been impressed.

Crysencio Summerville fired an early chance for Leeds over the crossbar, while Bruno Fernandes dragged the visitors’ first effort on goal wide in the 20th minute.

Illan Meslier
Illan Meslier denied Bruno Fernandes late in the first half (Martin Rickett/PA)

In contrast to a free-flowing first half at Old Trafford, the first 45 minutes was a stop-start affair, littered with fouls.

It was also played out in a cauldron of noise and the usual hostilities stepped over the mark shortly before the interval when chants about the Munich Disaster and the death of two Leeds fans in Istanbul were swapped by small groups of rival fans.

Alejandro Garnacho
Alejandro Garnacho wrapped up victory for United (Danny Lawson/PA)

Leeds burst out of the blocks after the restart. De Gea’s low save diverted the lively Summerville’s effort, Weston McKennie fired off target and Jack Harrison’s shot was deflected for a corner.

The visitors responded through Diogo Dalot’s 20-yard strike, which thundered against the crossbar, while De Gea held Willy Gnonto’s effort from outside the box.

Leeds United v Manchester United – Premier League – Elland Road
Alejandro Garnacho celebrates the second (Danny Lawson/PA)

But after spells of concerted pressure the home side fell behind with 10 minutes to go as Luke Shaw’s brilliant cross from the left was headed home by Rashford for his 13th goal in 15 appearances since the World Cup.

Leeds were still reeling from their late setback when Wout Weghorst set up Garnacho, a second-half replacement for Jadon Sancho, on the left edge of the area and the teenager buried a low finish beyond Meslier.

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