Jermaine Beckford was critical of Robin Koch and Illan Meslier for the roles they played in the goals Leeds United conceded during their 2-2 draw against Manchester United on Wednesday night at Old Trafford.
The former Leeds striker felt that Koch’s body position and lack of awareness to stop Marcus Rashford from heading in Man United’s opener was costly.
Whilst he added that Meslier should have ‘done better’ in trying to stop Jadon Sancho from equalising moments later, as he told Premier League Productions (08/02/23 at 10:15 pm).
Life after the sacking of Jesse Marsch started in quite a blistering fashion for the Yorkshire side, with Willy Gnonto scoring inside two minutes and then Leeds having another quick start after the break.
That’s when the home team got their tail up and proceeded to fire back through their attacking duo – Rashford and Sancho.
Leeds will be kicking themselves because, not only did they let a two-goal lead slip, but the first goal, in particular, was avoidable, with Beckford sharing his thoughts.
“Marcus Rashford isn’t like a Weghorst type of player, who is really big and physical in the air and you are going to anticipate that he’s going to cause you all sorts of issues,” said Beckford.
“He’s got a free run at jumping over the defender. I think it’s Robin Koch there. Just open your body up as a defender. Have a look over your shoulder and where is he? Okay, the ball is coming in. I know, if I was a forward, then I need to be on the front foot – as it ended up, it was a standing jump. It’s poor defending, from my perspective.
“It’s one moment. We have seen that many times, with many different goalkeepers with lots of different teams. It is frustrating, especially because of the situation Leeds were in, at the time being 2-1 up.
“However, sometimes when you are blind-sided, it takes you a little bit longer to react to get the ball away. Unfortunately, for Leeds United, he was blind-sided a little bit. But I still think he should have done a bit better.”
LIFE AFTER MARSCH
In terms of performances, post-World Cup, Leeds have been on point. They have performed pretty well.
But it’s the lack of results, getting over that line, cutting edge or ruthless nature to their defending that’s costing them.
The Whites aren’t any closer to bringing in Marsch’s replacement, but the next man in the dugout needs to find that formula where Leeds can find that finishing touch in the final third, or else they are doomed.
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