Illan Meslier conceded four times as Leeds United suffered another defeat to Manchester United on Sunday – and both Alan Shearer and Paul Scholes have criticised the Frenchman for United’s third goal at Elland Road.
Having picked up just one point from their last three games, Leeds really needed a result against rivals Manchester United. But some typically woeful defending from the Whites saw them eventually lose 4-2 at Elland Road.
Unmarked from a corner, Harry Maguire scored with a header – before Jadon Sancho’s clip to Bruno Fernandes made it 2-0. Leeds came roaring back, scoring goals through Rodrigo and Raphinha to make it 2-2.
The hammer blow came when Fred came off the bench to put United 3-2 up, before another sub, Anthony Elanga, made it four. Fred netted with a left-footed strike at the near post – and both Scholes and Shearer criticised him.
Scholes told Premier League Productions: “It was a big surprise, he [Fred] is not someone you associate with scoring. Can the keeper do a little better? I think he should be, I don’t think he should be beaten at the near post.”
Shearer, also on PLP: “Without a doubt [Meslier at fault], it is his near post – it is a fantastic strike but the goalkeeper should not be beaten at the near post. Leeds were so open, typical of the way they play.”
Shearer and Scholes on Meslier: Leeds star was excellent elsewhere
Yes, Meslier probably should do slightly better with Fred’s strike. It is his near post, but the shot has so much power on it that it is almost impossible to react in time. Maybe Meslier should have been a yard to his right.
But Meslier was excellent once again. He stopped Cristiano Ronaldo at point-blank range in the first half with a save Jim Beglin described as “crackind” during commentary. He made numerous other saves, too.
While Meslier should have done better, he was hardly to blame for the loss. Indeed, the Leeds defence have to take that one – with numerous mistakes made in their own third against Ralf Rangnick’s men.
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