MANCHESTER, England — “United is back, United is back” was the chant at Old Trafford late Monday night.
But instead of coming from the home fans, it was met with strong opposition from the supporters. leeds united Having watched with delight their first league win at this stadium since 1981.
Are Manchester United Back? Not enough. lost 2-1 From Daniel Farke it was a reminder that optimism around the club is still very fragile.
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Yes, form has improved under interim head coach Michael Carrick. And yes, that should be enough to bounce back uefa champions league Next season. But any illusions that this team were ready to make the step up to title contenders were ruthlessly quashed by Leeds during a spectacular first half.
Guests at risk of being demoted arrive in Manchester without permission Premier League goal since February, but they could have scored four goals in the first 45 minutes here. Farke had to be content with two noah okafor.
It had been 24 days since United’s last game – The 2-2 draw with bournemouth On 20 March – although for a while it looked as if he had not kicked a ball for several months. There were red shirts spread all over the pitch and passes went astray.
It was nothing like the crisp, sharp performance against any Manchester City And armory At the beginning of Carrick’s reign.
At halftime, the stadium speakers blared, “Now we’ve got problems and I don’t think we can solve them.” In the end, maybe playing Taylor Swift’s “Bad Blood” isn’t the best idea when you’re down 2-0 at home to one of your most hated rivals. it got worse.
Any hopes Carrick had of finding a solution were dashed by referee Paul Tierney’s decision to send him off. lisandro martinez 10 minutes into the second half.
Martínez was astonished when Tierney stopped the game to look at the pitchside monitor. VAR John Brooks clearly saw hair pulled Dominic Calvert-Lewin And Tierney agreed, showing a red card which could now see Martínez suspended for a significant number of games. chelsea, brentford And liverpool.
Later, Carrick called it “a shocking decision”. He can at least be pleased with United’s response.
After falling behind by two goals and one player, his team finally started playing. they pulled a goal back casemiro And could score another. benjamin sescostarting in place of Brian MbeumoA header was saved well carl darlow. Moments later, another Casemiro header was cleared off the line by Calvert-Lewin.
“I thought it was a really good response,” Carrick said.
“We talked about staying positive at halftime. [The dressing room] A little disappointed and disappointed with the result. This will not reduce confidence or trust.”
Short-term goals are still in sight. Victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday will put United on the brink of a top-five finish and a place in next season’s Champions League. However, it was a night when long-term ambitions took a blow.
after Signed a new one-year contract last week, Harry Maguire He sat down with reporters to explain his belief that a good summer in the transfer market could see United compete with Manchester City and Arsenal next season. On this evidence, it would have to be an extraordinary window and then some.
The team is so weak that it could not face defeat kobi menu After England The midfielder was ruled out against Leeds after picking up a minor injury in training. This meant a first for his student under Carrick’s leadership, manuel ugarteAnd the Uruguayan proceeded to show why United are open to offers for his services.
It is a frightening statistic that in Ugarte’s 10 starts this season, United have won only once. Carrick later insisted that he was not concerned with Ugarte’s form, but that he would pray for Manu to be available against Chelsea.
It’s a selection headache they don’t need as there are doubts about who will be available to play at centre-back. Maguire, who was suspended against Leeds after a red card against Bournemouth, could have to sit out more games after being charged by the FA over alleged behavior leaving the pitch at the Vitality Stadium.
If Martínez’s red card is upheld, he will be banned for three matches for violent conduct. In the worst case scenario, Carrick will have no option but to opt for youth Leni Yoro And ayden heaven Against Chelsea.
Further evidence that this team is not deep enough to tackle the Premier League and Champions League next season. Meanwhile, Leeds are hoping for games in the Premier League after moving six points clear of the relegation places.
“Very proud,” Farke said. “First win here in four decades in the league. Excellent, especially in the conditions. It was important to be brave today and play on the front foot.”
“If you just park, there’s no chance of getting a point at Old Trafford.”
After a vigorous celebration in the corner of the stadium, the Leeds fans began to walk away, still singing “United are back”. Some Manchester United fans were still present at Old Trafford to hear this and were left wondering when they would be able to say the same again.
