Micky Gray feels Leeds United must ‘question’ Illan Meslier after how Jadon Sancho scored Manchester United’s second goal. The winger scored to secure a 2-2 draw on Wednesday.
Leeds had claimed a 2-0 lead at Old Trafford through Wilfried Gnonto (1’) and an own goal by Raphael Varane (48’). But Marcus Rashford (62’) offered Erik ten Hag’s squad hope for a comeback before Sancho (70’) struck. The sides will meet again this Sunday at Elland Road.
Manchester United were clearly second-best before Rashford hit home as Leeds targeted a win under caretaker boss Michael Skubala. Brenden Aaronson also hit the base of the post for the Whites in between the Red Devils’ goals. But Sancho continued Leeds’ winless run.
Leeds are now without a win in eight Premier League games dating back to November 5 at home to Bournemouth. But a point at Old Trafford lifted the managerless Leeds up to 16th in the table. They are now a point clear of the relegation zone and on even fixtures played.
A first league win at Old Trafford since 1981 was there for Leeds’ taking before Meslier let Sancho draw Manchester United level, though. Now, Skubala may also have to take charge on Sunday. They will be chasing the Whites’ first win at home to the Red Devils since 2002.
Gray feels Leeds’ Meslier should have saved Sancho’s goal for Manchester United
Sancho drew Manchester United level against Leeds on Wednesday by beating Meslier for his first Premier League goal since September. It was also the 22-year-old’s first game since October. Ten Hag introduced the 23-cap England international as a 59th-minute substitute.
The winger fired in from 10 yards out after recovering Luke Shaw’s blocked cross. No Leeds player followed Sancho as the Manchester United forward drifted into Meslier’s area after feeding Shaw. He then shot through two bodies after taking one touch to control the ball.
Yet despite Aaronson and Maximilian Wober’s presence in front of Meslier, Gray believes the Leeds goalkeeper should have denied Sancho. The goalkeeper briefly had a clear line of sight before the winger took his shot. The ball also hit the Frenchman’s arm on the way in.
“Take nothing away from Sancho, he’s looked really lively since he came on the field,” Gray told talkSPORT (08/02, 21:34). “The ball actually falls to his feet very kindly in that 18-yard area. He just has to get his shot away but Meslier, you do have to question the goalkeeper.
“When the ball comes through, yeah he might see it late. But I think that’s a save the goalkeeper has got to make, I really do. There’s not enough pace on it to go past the goalkeeper. He has to save it.”
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