Leeds United Vs Manchester United Player Ratings: Leeds Frustrate Amorim’s United in 1-1 Draw at at Elland Road

With Elland Road in full voice, a classic rivalry wrote another intense chapter in the Premier League. It was a fiercely contested battle between Manchester United and Leeds United. The Premier League fixture ended in a 1-1 draw, with both teams trying to get the better of each other. Neither team outperfromed each other to claim all three points as Ruben Amorim's men struggled once again.

The first half was a tense, cagey affair with one of the richest clubs in the world Man United, trying their heart out to open the scoring.

Both sides had their moments, probing for weaknesses. We saw Dominic Calvert-Lewin come inches close, his header rattling the woodwork. It was a moment that summed up the first 45 minutes; full of effort but lacking that final, clinical touch inside the box.

Suddenly, the second half exploded into life as Leeds caught United on a blistering counter-attack, and Brenden Aaronson finished it with a calm head. The stadium erupted with joy as it was a brilliant moment for the underdogs to grab the lead. Although the lead was very short-lived. United, stung into action, responded almost immediately with Matheus Cunha finding the net, silencing the home crowd in a flash.

The rest of the game was a frantic push from both sides, but ultimately they cancelled each other out in a result that reflected the game's balance. This is the fifth draw for Ruben Amorin and his co in this Premier League campaign. Sportsdunia brings you the Leeds United Vs Manchester United Player Ratings.

Manchester United Player Ratings vs Leeds United

Here's a look at the Manchester United Player Ratings.

Goalkeeper

Senne Lammens - 6.5: Had very little chance with the goal, it was a swift counter-attack. Made a couple of crucial saves, particularly the one to deny Noah Okafor in the second half. His distribution was okay, nothing special but he didn't put his team under unnecessary pressure. A solid, if unspectacular, day at the office for the keeper. He did what was asked of him.

Defenders

Lisandro Martínez - 7.0: As captain, he led by example. We noticed his communication was constant. He was a rock, making 8 clearances and 3 interceptions. His passing out from the back was calm and composed, rarely giving the ball away. A typically aggressive yet controlled performance from the Argentine. He was a steadying influence when Leeds were pressing hard.

Ayden Heaven - 6.5: For a young player in such an intense atmosphere, he held his own. He won most of his duels and made some important tackles. What stood out to us was his positioning, he seemed to be in the right place most of the time. He wasn't a standout, but he certainly wasn't a liability. A decent showing to build on.

Leny Yoro - 6.0: A difficult afternoon for the defender. He had a glorious chance to score from a header but it was well saved. Defensively, he looked a little shaky at times before being substituted after the hour mark. He seemed to struggle with the pace of the Leeds counter. A learning experience for him, for sure.

Midfielders

Diogo Dalot - 6.5: Deployed in midfield, he had a mixed game. He was involved a lot, as his 77 touches show, but he also lost possession 17 times which is far too high. He got into a great scoring position but blazed his shot over the bar. We appreciate his versatility, but he looked more comfortable in his natural defensive role.

Casemiro - 8.0: What a player. He was the creative engine for United, creating four chances, two of which were clear-cut. His through ball for a blocked Benjamin Sesko shot was pure class. Defensively, he was astute, winning his tackles and recovering the ball seven times. He was easily United's best player on the pitch, a commanding presence throughout.

Luke Shaw - 6.5: Another player in a slightly unfamiliar central midfield role. He was tidy in possession and worked hard. He delivered a great cross for a Casemiro header. However, from our perspective, he didn't influence the game enough from that position. A tireless effort but maybe not the best use of his talents.

Manuel Ugarte - 7.0: A ball of energy in the midfield. He was everywhere, making five tackles and winning a high percentage of his duels. His work rate is undeniable. The downside was his wastefulness in possession and some wild shots from distance. If he can add a bit more composure, he will be a phenomenal player.

Forwards

Matheus Cunha - 7.5: He got the vital equalising goal with a composed finish. He was a constant threat, even hitting the woodwork. However, losing possession 25 times is a staggering number and shows the chaotic nature of his performance. He was a handful for the Leeds defence, but his decision-making needs to improve. The goal bumps his rating significantly.

Patrick Dorgu - 6.0: A frustrating outing for the attacker. He showed some nice touches and created two chances, but his final product was lacking. He picked up a silly yellow card and was generally a peripheral figure. We expected more from him in a game of this magnitude. He needs to offer more to be a regular starter.

Benjamin Sesko - 5.5: It just wasn't his day. He had two big chances to score and couldn't convert either. His movement was good, but his finishing touch deserted him. Being caught offside twice also hampered United's attacks. A performance he will want to forget quickly. He worked hard but a striker is judged on goals.

Substitutes

Joshua Zirkzee - 7.0: Came on for Leny Yoro and made an instant impact. He provided the assist for Cunha's goal and looked sharp and inventive. His introduction gave United a much-needed spark in the final third. A very effective cameo from the bench.

Manager

R. Amorim - 6.5: The starting formation was a bit of a head-scratcher for us. The team lacked cohesion for large parts of the game. However, his decision to bring on Joshua Zirkzee was a masterstroke that directly led to the equaliser. He gets credit for salvaging a point with a timely change. It was a mixed bag from the gaffer.

Leeds United Player Ratings vs Manchester United

Here's a look at the Leeds United player ratings.

Goalkeeper

Lucas Perri - 6.0: Could do little about the goal, which was a well-placed shot. Only had one other save to make. His distribution was a weak point, with only 52% of his passes finding a teammate. A quiet day for him, but the shaky passing was a concern.

Defenders

Pascal Struijk - 8.5: Our Man of the Match. An absolutely colossal performance from the captain. He was immense at the back, winning nine duels and making crucial interceptions. Not only that, he provided the assist for the opening goal. He was a leader in every sense of the word. A truly dominant display against a top side.

Jaka Bijol - 7.5: Almost as good as his defensive partner. He was a wall, racking up seven clearances and three interceptions. He read the game superbly and was a physical match for United's forwards. A very strong and composed performance. He and Struijk formed a formidable partnership.

Sebastiaan Bornauw - 6.5: Did his job effectively without standing out. He was solid and didn't make any glaring errors. He contributed with a couple of clearances and interceptions before being subbed off. A reliable, if unremarkable, performance from the defender.

Midfielders

Gabriel Gudmundsson - 6.5: A hard-working shift on the flank. He was full of running but his end product and passing were inconsistent. He lost the ball quite a few times. What stood out was his effort, which you can't fault, but he lacked the quality to really hurt United.

Brenden Aaronson - 7.5: Took his goal brilliantly, showing great composure on the counter-attack. He was a livewire all game, his energy causing problems for the United midfield. His eight ball recoveries show his defensive contribution too. A fantastic, all-action performance from the American.

Anton Stach - 7.5: A creative hub for Leeds. He whipped in some dangerous crosses and created two chances for his teammates. He also put in a real shift defensively, making three tackles. It was a complete midfield performance. He was unlucky not to end up on the winning side.

James Justin - 6.0: He was involved in the play, but struggled to make a positive impact. Lost possession 19 times and his duel success rate was low. A disappointing performance from a player we know has more quality. He never really got into the rhythm of the game.

Ilia Gruev - 6.5: A tidy and controlled performance in the middle of the park. He kept the ball moving with a high pass completion rate. He screened the defence well before he was substituted. He wasn't spectacular, but he did the simple things effectively.

Forwards

Dominic Calvert-Lewin - 6.5: So, so unlucky not to score. His header against the post was the closest either team came in the first half. He was a physical handful, winning most of his aerial duels. However, a striker needs to score, and he couldn't find the net. A frustrating day for him.

Noah Okafor - 6.0: Showed flashes of his talent. He forced a good save from the United keeper and looked threatening when he got on the ball. But his overall involvement was limited, and he lost the majority of his duels. A performance of moments rather than sustained quality.

Substitutes

Lukas Nmecha - 6.0: Brought on to offer fresh legs but had little time to make a real impact on the game.

Ao Tanaka - 6.0: Similar to Nmecha, came on late to help see the game out and did his job without any fuss.

Wilfried Gnonto - 6.0: Replaced Sebastiaan Bornauw but didn't have enough time to influence the proceedings in the final third.

Manager

D. Farke - 7.0: His game plan was nearly perfect. He set his team up to be defensively solid and lethal on the counter. They executed it to get the opening goal. His side looked organised and motivated. He'll be disappointed they couldn't hold onto the lead, but it was a strong tactical showing.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match: Pascal Struijk