Rash takes spotlight from shame in stands

WHILE there was no rain, vitriol poured down. This was an entry in the Leeds United enmity that was destined to be remembered for the bilious chanting until the 80th minute.

- SAMUEL LUCKHURST

Marcus Rashford is raining goals. For the third successive match, he moved from wingman to frontman and that is where his 21st Reds goal of the campaign came from. Rashford is one shy of his season-best tally of 2019-20.

For Erik ten Hag, this was another tactical triumph. Beyond Rashford's impact, Alejandro Garnacho emerged to kill the contest with his first goal since the season was paused in November and on the back of a public pep talk.

Ten Hag insisted Garnacho 'had to score' with one of his chances in the midweek match.

Garnacho has been prolific on Instagram, as many teenagers are.

His best response was on the pitch, a deceptive side-footer that kissed the upright.

His manager clenched his fists and was beaming. Ten Hag appeared tempted to join the throng of United players who celebrated with the away-dayers in the John Charles Stand.

"Leeds are falling apart again," crowed the United fans. Job done.

On what was an emotionally draining afternoon, whenever United took the emotion out of it Leeds were helpless. Bruno Fernandes had two presentable opportunities in the first half, Diogo Dalot struck the crossbar and the Reds had two goals chalked off for offside when 2-0 up. And yet Leeds were 10 minutes from holding United to another draw.

The Reds did not entirely learn their lesson from the reverse fixture on Wednesday night. Leeds, naturally fired up, caught United cold at the start of both halves and Jack Harrison prodded wide in the same minute Raphael Varane deflected the ball into his own net at Old Trafford.