Manchester United dropped two points at Elland Road against Leeds United in their bid to keep the pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester City after being held to a 0-0 draw by a resolute Leeds side.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer felt it was two points dropped indeed after Manchester United were held by Leeds in what was an intense game but with a few golden scoring opportunities.
Marcus Rashford’s first-half free-kick was superbly saved by French goalkeeper Illan Meslier and Bruno Fernandes dragged his shot wide in the second period as the visitors went close to breaking the deadlock.
Manchester United were on the attack for most of the game, making some swift and precise passes to try and beat the Leeds defence. Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw combined well but the former did not have his best day.
“Today we just didn’t have the moment, take [our chances] when we had them,” Solskjaer said. “A draw is disappointing because we wanted to put pressure on [Manchester] City, but we couldn’t score.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has bettered Manchester United’s points tally from last season with 5 games to go. (Photo by Jon Super/PA Images via Getty Images)
The Norwegian was delighted with his players’ efforts although the result did not go their way saying, “I’ve not seen many teams in the second half dominate as much as we did against Leeds because they are so fit and strong.”
“The intensity of their game has been so good, they steamroll teams, but I felt we almost did that to them second half. I really liked what I saw out there, we dominated and played in their half.
“We kept them away from our goal, away from our half really, so I’m really happy about that.”
Manchester United Harry Maguire spoke after the game: “It was tight. We had control of the game without punishing them. We knew how they would play, our attacking players love a one v one but today it wasn’t to be.
“We kept them to a minimum, we were solid. We just couldn’t find that edge. The intensity was there, both teams were trying to play the right way.
“Bruno Fernandes had the best chance of the game and on another day he puts it in the back of the net and we take the points.
“It’s a big week for us.”
Harry Maguire has played every single minute of football in 71 consecutive Premier League games for Manchester United, matching the club record that is held by Gary Pallister, back in May 1993-May 1995.
Solskjaer’s side is now 10 points behind City with five games to play, but more importantly, 12 points ahead in terms of the top 4 race. 4 points in the last 5 games will see United secure their spot in the UEFA Champions League next season.
United have now extended their unbeaten Premier League away run to 24 matches and are undefeated in their last 13 games.
The English giants host Serie A side AS Roma at Old Trafford in the first leg on Thursday before travelling to the Italian capital for the return fixture a week later.
In between the two legs, United will face rivals Liverpool in the Premier League. The Red Devils will be keen on denting Jurgen Klopp’s hopes of qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League as his Reds are currently in 6th, 4 points behind Chelsea who occupy the 4th spot.
