February has not been an easy month for Manchester United, and the story has been about poor finishing.
First there was the FA Cup defeat to Middlesbrough, followed by 1-1 draws against Burnley and Southampton.
In these three games United had more than 60 efforts on goal, and scored only three. All while being made to pay by ruthless opponents who made the most of their more limited opportunities.
In midweek United scored only two goals from 19 attempts against Brighton, which wasn’t much better, but crucially did not concede any. Five goals from 83 attempts was a woeful record.
United finally come good
Against Leeds, as it so often does, the goal glut finally came as United found a more ruthless edge.
United scored four goals from 15 shots, a far better return than in recent matches.
Opponents Leeds actually had more attempts, 16 in total, but David de Gea is a tough goalkeeper to beat in current form.
The finishing was referenced by Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa, who told the home side’s club website: “We were less efficient and the difference comes through that. We had seven or eight chances to score a goal just like the opponent, but they scored in a higher proportion and us not in the same proportion.”
It is nice for United to be on the other side of this for a change. In recent matches we have been the ones ruing missed chances.
The finishing wasn’t quite perfect of course, with Cristiano Ronaldo missing a really good chance in the first half and Anthony Elanga in the second. Fortunately Elanga redeemed himself by netting United’s fourth.
This game could turn out to be a turning point for United, with confidence lifted by the win. That will just help the players start to relax in the final third, and of course, there was a finally a first goal from a corner kick thanks to Harry Maguire’s first half header.
Ahead of this week’s Champions League clash with Atletico, United’s players have found their shooting boots at the right time.
- Youri Tielemans’ past injuries and age cannot overshadow immediate solution solved in Man Utd’s post-Casemiro era
- I was desperate for Man United to sign Eduardo Camavinga, but his latest Real Madrid decision is a worry
- Joshua Zirkzee’s stance on Juventus move could fast-track Man Utd exit
- Danilo has already learned two important skills from Casemiro amid rumblings he could move to Man Utd
- Man Utd may immediately repeat their successful Youri Tielemans ‘trick’ with their next midfield signing
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