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Five things learned as Manchester United draw 1-1 with Leeds United

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Manchester United took a point from their trip to Elland Road following a fierce clash against rivals Leeds United.

The Lancashire-Yorkshire derby was reignited at Elland Road and Manchester United claimed a 1-1 draw against Leeds United.

United fans were not confident heading into the match, but Ruben Amorim can take pride in the performance, with Matheus Cunha scoring his fourth goal of the season to salvage a point.

WHICH Manchester United player was your man of the match vs Leeds?⚽️

Who impressed you?

The point temporarily takes United into fifth in the Premier League table.

Leeds United v Manchester United - Premier League
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

Ruben Amorim sticks to his formation

In the build-up to this match, there were reports that United players complained about Amorim’s tactics after he reverted to his 3-4-2-1 shape against Wolves.

Amorim hinted that Jason Wilcox wanted a change of formation, but against Leeds, the United boss stuck to his three-at-the-back formation.

The Red Devils matched Leeds man-for-man in their formation and Amorim deserves credit for a brilliant game plan.

INSTANT REACTION: How do YOU feel about Man Utd’s 1-1 draw vs Leeds?

Two points dropped? Or one point gained?

FT vs Leeds graphic
Getty Images

Ayden Heaven caught out

Ayden Heaven was named Player of the Month for his brilliant form in December, and he started impressively at Elland Road.

The 19-year-old has been getting better and better in recent weeks, but he suffered an unfortunate mistake to allow Brenden Aaronson to score the opener.

Ayden Heaven coped brilliantly against an in-form Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but he was caught out by Aaronson when tracking back towards his own goal.

Still no sign of Bruno Fernandes or Kobbie Mainoo

United’s line-up against Leeds revealed that Amorim was still handling a frustratingly long list of injuries and absences.

Bruno Fernandes has been out of action since suffering a hamstring injury against Aston Villa, but Amorim revealed the Portuguese playmaker is desperate to return as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, United were without their captain again and Kobbie Mainoo was also nowhere to be seen. Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt also remain on the sidelines.

Matheus Cunha steps up

With no Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo or Amad Diallo available, United’s attacking options have been completely depleted.

SHOULD Matheus Cunha’s disallowed goal vs Leeds have stood?🤔

Mark Clattenburg explains to United in Focus why the goal was ruled offside…

“The offside flag was raised to disallow the goal as Sesko was in an offside position.

“If Sesko had not gone to challenge his opponent for the ball even though he did not touch it, he clearly affected the defender’s ability to play the ball with contact being made, then a goal may have been awarded.”

Matheus Cunha shooting vs Leeds.
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images

Benjamin Sesko kept his spot at the spearhead of United’s attack, but in the supporting roles, Matheus Cunha was the only natural No.10.

The Brazilian stepped up when he was needed most, scoring United’s equaliser at Elland Road.

Luke Shaw moves out to wing-back

Amorim stuck to his 3-4-2-1 formation and pushed Patrick Dorgu into an advanced role, meaning it was Luke Shaw who was pushed wide into the wing-back role.

In November, Amorim spoke about Shaw at wing-back, and he finally trusted the 30-year-old and his fitness levels to play out wide.

Shaw played well going forward, linking up nicely with Cunha on the left.