Marcus Rashford’s transformation from lost soul to leader of the Manchester United resurgence took another significant step against Leeds but it required some tactical tinkering from Erik ten Hag to do it.
Rashford’s goal at Old Trafford was his 12th since the end of the World Cup at the back end of December. More interestingly, it now means he has scored as many Premier League goals as Eric Cantona – 70.
Rashford can never claim to have Cantona’s natural genius but he is proving as important to Ten Hag as he tries to move United back towards the summit of the English game as the Frenchman was to Sir Alex Ferguson when he managed it two decades ago.
On Wednesday night Rashford’s towering header – outjumping Leeds defender Robert Koch – served to turn up the atmosphere dial at Old Trafford as United chased down a 2-0 deficit. Eight minutes later, with the old place rocking, Jadon Sancho drove in the second.
But would any of it happened had Ten Hag not swallowed some pride and reversed his initial decision to start with Rashford down the right hand side?
Marcus Rashford scored his 70th Premier League goal on Wednesday with header vs Leeds
Erik ten Hag swallowed his pride to tweak the tactics and move Rashford in from the right
United have previously been linked with a summer move for a marquee No 9 – like Harry Kane
Much of Rashford’s success has come from the other flank this season but with young Alejandro Garnacho starting there on Wednesday, Rashford cut a rather frustrated and it must be said irritated figure on the left during the first half.
As the game wore on, all that changed. Rashford was off the field in a flash at half-time. He either needed the loo or wanted a chat with his manager. Whatever the case, United’s brilliant comeback came with the England player first restored to his favourite position and then, later on, playing as a through the middle striker.
The final switch raises another interesting question. Rashford was hailed as a No 9 when he first burst through under Louis van Gaal in 2015 but questions soon arose about his ability as a natural finisher.
Now, though, Rashford scores goals as easily as anybody in the Premier League. Harry Kane would have been proud of his header against Leeds. As United scour Europe for a central striker this summer, do they actually have one right under their nose?
At one stage this week, Leeds United hoped to have a new manager sitting in the stands at Old Trafford but the great Yorkshire club are not finding it easy to replace Jesse Marsch, sacked on Monday after defeat at Nottingham Forest.
With Carlos Corberan signing a new contract to stay at West Brom – Leeds claim he was never offered the job – and Rayo Vallecano boss Andoni Iraola choosing to remain in Spain, the search goes on.
Leeds have indicated privately that they will consider an interim appointment if necessary with the club’s owners and sporting director Victor Orta preferring to wait until the summer for the right man rather than appoint in haste now.
What Leeds must do, of course is stay up. There was enough in Wednesday night’s performance to suggest that they will but as they prepare to face Manchester United again at Elland Road on Sunday, their run of games without a league win now stretches to eight and – because of the World Cup – all the way back to the start of November. That continues to be a worry.
Patrick Bamford (middle) is a necessity for Leeds if they are to avoid relegation this season
Leeds hoped to have a new manager in place in time for Wednesday but had interims instead
One man who may be key to their survival prospects is Patrick Bamford. Leeds are not short of attacking talent and players like Wilfried Gnonto and Jack Harrison can be great to watch as they commit men forwards.
Too often this season, though, Leeds have lacked a focal point. They are capable to scoring goals from different areas but that is not the point. Bamford – playing as a No 9 – brings Leeds a natural focus to their attacking play.
He can hold the ball up, bring Leeds’ wide players in to the game and is also brave enough to embrace the physical challenges of the role. What he needs to do now is stay fit. Bamford has started only six Premier League games this season, scoring once, and it’s not enough.
One player, meanwhile, who did look glad to still be in a Leeds shirt at Old Trafford was Harrison.
The 26-year-old was actually in Leicester waiting on a medical ahead of a transfer on deadline day only for Leeds to decide they didn’t need the proceeds of the deal to fund their own signings. Called back to Yorkshire, Harrison was back in the starting line-up on Wednesday night after falling out of favour with Marsch and played a crucial role in Leeds’ second goal.
The Jadon Sancho story is a nice one but now the real work starts.
Back in the Manchester United squad after taking time away to deal with some physical issues and the mental strain often associated with life as an elite sportsman, the 22-year-old played his first Premier League minutes since October and scored the equaliser at the Stretford End. That was a moment to remember for the former Manchester City youth product.
Where he goes from here, though, will be down to him and United manager Ten Hag basically said as much at full-time.
‘He’s a brilliant footballer and if he invests and he is in the right levels he can perform outstandingly,’ said the Dutchman.
‘I think it’s in his own hands. So if he wants, he can do.’
Jadon Sancho rescued a point for Man United which was heartwarming given his tough season
Ten Hag and United have handled Sancho well this season. By not making any secret of his issues, they effectively bought him the time and space to recover away from the glare and the scrutiny.
The one question remains now, though. Does Sancho have what it takes to success at United?
The competition for places in United’s forward line is strong and will get stronger.
Rashford is establishing himself as one of the game’s top talents once more. United bought the Brazilian Antony at Ten Hag’s insistence last summer and considered a move for Memphis Depay in January. They still have Anthony Martial while young Garnacho has come through the ranks after starting his career at Atletico Madrid.
When you also consider that United plan to spend again on attacking players this summer, the scale of the challenge to Sancho becomes clear.
He was bought for north of £70m from Borussia Dortmund 18 months ago but has not managed to consistently deliver and has so far scored only six league goals.
In particular Sancho has struggled to beat players. That could be a confidence thing while some in the game feel the step up to the Premier League – where games are harder week in week out – has proved too much for him.
Whatever the case, it’s great to see him back. But Wednesday night represented a small step. There are larger ones still be to taken.
Sancho should be under no illusions that his success at Old Trafford hinges on hard work now
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