Michael Owen lauded thriving star Willy Gnonto for his ‘beautiful’ finish during Leeds United’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, as he told Premier League Productions (08/02/23 at 10:10 pm).
Following the sacking of Jesse Marsch, the previously goal-shy Leeds started off in a blistering fashion, with Bruno Fernandes getting dispossessed in his own half, before Patrick Bamford and Willy Gnonto linked up for the opener after just two minutes.
Old Trafford was silenced. Leeds were buoyant. The away fans were jubilant. And the new post-Jesse Marsch era had begun.
Throughout the game, and especially in the first half, Erik ten Hag’s men just couldn’t cope with the pressure and high-level intensity at which Leeds were playing at.
Manchester United couldn’t settle and they were rattled, before the Whites doubled their lead moments into the second half. That historic win was on the cards.
But one of the Premier League’s goal machines of the season so far, Marcus Rashford, was on the scoresheet once again, whilst the substitutes made a difference for the home side, including Jadon Sancho netting the equaliser.
In the end, it was a positive result and performance to move forward from for the managerless club, with Owen full of praise for the 19-year-old on the flanks.
“One of the signings of the season, one of the performers of the season,” said Owen. “‘Huge impact, direct and quick.
“Very good finish there. That ball into Bamford as well. You have to be very careful as a defending team, that’s the killer ball. If you start getting the ball into a striker’s feet, then all of a sudden, they can turn it whichever way they want and then you are in trouble.
“Gnonto followed his pass. He got the lay-off and it’s a beautiful finish.”
GNONTO A GEM
Things didn’t go well for Jesse Marsch at Leeds, but one thing is for sure, he left the club with some serious talent on the table.
Gnonto is one of the finds of the season, Tyler Adams is the captain without the armband in the middle of the park, whilst Max Wober produced his best performance since joining the club in January.
That first round ended in a draw, now it’s time for the second and possibly the deciding content between these two heavyweights at Elland Road on Sunday.
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