Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick said the dismal performance in Leeds’ 4-2 win in the Premie League game at Leeds United was a testament to the team’s unity amid newspaper leaks over a crack in the Old Trafford club’s dressing room .
Rangnick said there couldn’t be a better answer to the rumors as Manchester United kept their nerve to fend off a comeback from Leeds and cement their position in the Premier League’s top four.
British media reported there had been clashes among the players, including a power struggle over the captaincy between Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo.
A first United goal from Harry Maguire from a corner of the season and a Bruno Fernandes header put the visitors under control at half-time at Elland Road, only for two goals from Leeds within 59 seconds just after the break to end the situation to balance.
Manchester United remained calm and goals from substitutes Fred and Anthony Elanga secured a win that cemented their place in the top four.
“That performance was the best response we could give to some articles last week about disruption in the dressing room,” Rangnick said.
“It was a game that you can only win with the mentality of the team.
“That was an important win after the results on Saturday. We had to win and I hope the way we win gives us new extra energy for the game in Madrid (in the Champions League) next week and against Watford on Saturday.
“Their first goal came out of the blue, I don’t think Rodrigo intended to play the ball where he did but within minutes it was 2-2. It took us five minutes to shake. After that The reaction was great, we showed maturity and in the end we really deserved the win.”
LEEDS CHIEF BIELSA DELIGHTED OVER LOSS
Leeds looked dead and buried at half-time, only for Rodrigo’s lucky cross to find the net and Raphinha’s goal at the far post to turn the game on its head.
Having achieved that position, Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa feels his side should have taken something from the game as the defeat leaves them dangerously close to the relegation zone.
“After we were equal again, we had a chance to take a 3-2 lead and they immediately went up and scored again,” Bielsa said. We have to defend better,” he added.
Manchester United face a big test when they take on Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 in the Spanish capital on Wednesday 23 February.
