Manchester United dropped points against Leeds with a surprisingly poor result at Old Trafford.
It could have been a lot worse of course. Manchester United were 2-0 down before goals from Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho rescued the game.
Erik ten Hag told United’s website that the mistakes were ‘unacceptable’, but also praised the resilience of his side in being able to bounce back.
Here is a look at three key takeaways from a frustrating night…
Two signings needed
Another game without Casemiro, and it was almost a second defeat from two without the Brazilian. There is no escaping the simple fact that United are a far worse side without the key midfielder.
A big task this summer has to be to alleviating this reliance on Casemiro. Obviously Christian Eriksen missing too was another blow, and this was just Marcel Sabitzer’s first game, but United clearly need another elite midfield player, ideally to play with Casemiro – but if he is out, his loss would be felt less severely.
Another hole in the construction of the team was highlighted up front. Wout Weghorst had zero impact on this game.
United’s need to sign a top striker was well known. This was a game where it was really evident. The team had 24 shots at goal and not one came from the starting forward.
This simply wouldn’t happen with a Harry Kane or Victor Osimhen in the team. Whether the chosen striker is one of those two, or another slightly cheaper name, this is a position Manchester United absolutely have to address in the summer.
Antony importance highlighted
Each and every week there is more criticism of Antony in the media. An article in The Guardian this week was the latest to hammer the big money winger.
Antony missed this game with injury, and his absence was sorely felt. Manchester United had to disrupt the whole balance of the attack to compensate.
This included moving Marcus Rashford over to the right, and United were worse off for it. Antony also does a strong job defensively down the right. United lacked this extra cover against Leeds.
You won’t see the papers commenting on how Antony was missed. It won’t fit their agenda. Make your own mind up instead; United are a stronger team when the Brazilian is available.
Premier League stumbles
This was another game where Manchester United dropped points. From the last four Premier League games, United now have just one win.
That’s five points from a possible 12, a poor return, which has scythed down any overly-optimistic hopes of a title challenge. This win was the nail-biting 2-1 victory at home to Palace at the weekend.
The unimpressive return comes amid a heavy fixture schedule with cup runs, where the team have been winning, and this has seen the league form impacted, with injuries and suspensions playing their part.
United are still in the top four, even with games in hand accounted for, but any more dropped points in the next couple of games against Leeds and Leicester, and the team will be sucked right back into a top four scramble.
After this draw, two wins are essential in the next two games. United must get it done, and without Casemiro too.
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