Michael Skubala gives Leeds United verdict on Wilfried Gnonto importance

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Caretaker Leeds United manager Michael Skubala has praised Wilfried Gnonto’s display at Manchester United. He also believes Jesse Marsch’s summer signing is ‘pivotal’ to the club.

The Whites put Skubala in charge at Old Trafford on Wednesday having sacked Marsch on Monday. Gnonto would hand Leeds’ U21 boss an early lead against Manchester United, as well. The 19-year-old broke the deadlock after just 55 seconds after a surging early charge.

Manchester United failed to track Leeds’ £4m arrival from FC Zurich and allowed the eight-cap Italy ace too much space. Gnonto punished the Red Devils’ slow start as he drilled into the bottom corner from the edge of David de Gea’s area. It was his fourth goal with Leeds.

Gnonto has now hit home two times across 10 Premier League appearances, starting eight, since arriving in England in September. The Verbania-born ace has also scored twice in the FA Cup over two outings. He also had a late cameo in the Carabao Cup in a loss at Wolves.

Marsch started Gnonto in seven of the winger’s nine Premier League games under him. He also let the Italian open the action in the Whites’ two FA Cup encounters with Cardiff City. The winger would score each of his goals in the competition during the third-round replay.

Skubala believes Gnonto is ‘pivotal’ to Leeds after his goal at Manchester United

Skubala now feels Gnonto is ‘pivotal’ to Leeds following the forward’s goal at Manchester United. As well as scoring, the Italian rose his levels to the occasion throughout their trip to Old Trafford. While his strike showed great pace, great instincts and great ball control.

“I think he is pivotal to the team,” Skubala stated, via quotes by BBC Sport. “We’re a team, we stick together [and] they stuck to the plan today.”

Skubala added: “He’s a superb player, he’s a superb talent and a great person to work with. But I thought everyone put their shift in and played out the game plan. Willy did his shift but there were some strong defensive performances, too.”

Gnonto also played a part in Raphael Varane scoring the own goal which gave Leeds a 2-0 lead against Manchester United under Skubala. The winger cut a ball into the area to Luis Sinisterra, whose cross Varane diverted. He was a thorn in the Red Devils’ side all night.