Matheus Cunha rescues Manchester United in 1-1 draw with rivals Leeds United
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Manchester United's Matheus Cunha shields the ball from Leeds United’s James Justin during the match.
PHOTO: EPA
LONDON – Matheus Cunha saved Manchester United from a rare defeat by fierce rivals Leeds United, as the Brazilian’s equaliser salvaged a 1-1 English Premier League draw at Elland Road on Jan 4.
Ruben Amorim’s side trailed to Brenden Aaronson’s second-half strike before Cunha dragged them level moments later.
In a bitter rivalry keenly felt among two feuding sets of fans, Leeds have now gone eight matches without a win over United since an FA Cup triumph at Old Trafford in 2010.
Meanwhile, United’s failure to take all three points meant they missed a chance to move into the Premier League’s top four. The Red Devils have won just one of their last five league matches.
After a disappointing 1-1 draw against lowly Wolves
“I think we had more control in this game than we showed against Wolverhampton,” said Amorim on TNT Sports. “I think we control quite well the team of Leeds, We had our opportunities to win the game of course.
“We are losing games in the details. The goal of Leeds, we are controlling the game and one kick in the ball in transition. But we managed to get back in the game. This year I think we are in control of the games more often than last year. Was a good game but of course a little bit frustrated not to win.”
Still without injured captain Bruno Fernandes, Amorim sent United out in his preferred 3-4-2-1 shape after finally tinkering with his much-derided tactics for the recent win over Newcastle United on Dec 26
On a bitterly cold afternoon in Yorkshire, Leeds executed a series of bone-crunching tackles in a bid to seize the momentum during the opening minutes.
Leeds have not beaten United at Elland Road since 2002 and the urgency to end that drought showed, as there was little sign that they had 48 hours fewer than their opponents to recover from their previous match.
The home side had one of their best chances when striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin was inches away from breaking the deadlock, with a glancing header that cannoned off the far post from Anton Stach’s cross.
United goalkeeper Senne Lammens then had to be alert to keep out Gabriel Gudmundsson’s low drive at the near post after the interval.
But teenage defender Ayden Heaven’s lack of experience was exposed when Leeds went in front after 62 minutes. He was far too casual as Leeds played a long ball over the centre back and Aaronson took full advantage, accelerating into the United penalty area before sweeping a clinical finish past Lammens.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim shouting instructions to his players during the Red Devils' 1-1 English Premier League draw with Leeds United at Elland Road on Jan 4.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Amorim responded by sending on Joshua Zirkzee, who slipped a perfectly weighted pass towards Cunha and the Brazilian stretched to equalise from 12 yards.
It was Cunha’s third goal in his last five matches. He had another opportunity to claim all three points but his curler clipped the post in the closing stages.
“After the game against Wolves it was a little bit sad for us. Of course we want to win every single game, and then have a big opportunity to get into the top four,” said Cunha on TNT Sports.
“We need to keep going. It was so hard, but every single game when we wear this shirt we have to give it all. We tried to do everything to win this game, and we hope the next one comes with three points.”
Meanwhile, Leeds manager Daniel Farke said that a point was “fair” considering that both teams did not play well.
“If you play Man United as a newly promoted side it’s always a good point. It wasn’t our best game today football-wise, it was a bit scruffy,” the German noted.
“Nevertheless we found a way. We forced an opener and would have taken all three points, so for that I’m a bit disappointed, but if I calm down I have to say it’s a fair point.” AFP
