A thoroughly depleted Manchester United came from behind to earn a point at Elland Road, drawing 1-1 with Leeds on Sunday afternoon.
Entering the fixture with eight defensively-minded players in the starting XI, creativity, or a lack of it, was always going to present a challenge for Ruben Amorim.
That proved to be the case throughout a rather frantic opening half, with the best opportunity falling to the in-form Dominic Calvert-Lewin, before his glancing header met the woodwork.
Although United struggled to fashion clear-cut opportunities, they were largely comfortable in the tie, particularly within a confident defensive trio.
However, a solitary error from Ayden Heaven was punished shortly after the hour mark when Brenden Aaronson raced beyond the youngster before slotting past Senne Lammens.
Amorim responded by introducing Joshua Zirkzee for Leny Yoro and altering his structural dynamic, ultimately vindicated within less than three minutes.
The Dutchman was calm and composed in possession before crafting a fine pass beyond the Leeds backline for Matheus Cunha to level proceedings.
United enjoyed the better of the final quarter as their hosts struggled to combat the variations in the final third. Still, neither side could find a winning touch.
Rubens Reds climb into fifth ahead of Chelsea as focus shifts to a midweek trip to relegation-occupying Burnley.
Formations offer a familiar talking point for Manchester United in Leeds
Much of the pre-game conversation focused on formation and selection, with Amorim retaining his structural principles in defence.
The trio of Lisandro Martinez, Yoro and Heaven enjoyed a promising hour, complementing each other with an assured understanding in and out of possession.
However, Aaronson’s breakthrough led to an immediate shift in thinking, with the former Sporting chief changing to a back four when Yoro made way for Zirkzee.
The fruits of this tactical ploy offered an immediate upside, with the Dutchman the creator for Cunha to level proceedings within minutes.
Truthfully, Zirkee’s cameo was his best showing in red for some time, with an all-action display in his favoured withdrawn role perplexing the home side.
Many will move to highlight the added attacking impetus and earned control with the revised positioning, following endless calls for flexibility in the North West.
Perhaps, having gained a temporary inclusion in the European places, we may see further attacking moves against Burnley.
Dorgu’s impressive versatility is again utilised
Forced to contend with a barrage of first-team absentees, Amorim handed Patrick Dorgu his second start as a right-sided attacker in three outings.
Having played an integral role in the 1-0 victory against Newcastle, the 21-year-old was confident from the start and threatened with his pace and targeted running.
Much of this worked in unison with the overlapping runs of Diogo Dalot; to their credit, the pair played their part in silencing a large portion of the early bite inside Elland Road.
Although it’s a far cry from the threat of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad, the Danish international has underlined his mental fortitude in response to a public challenge from his manager.
It will be interesting to see where he lines out at Turf Moor.
Another day of what-ifs for Sesko
Goals have been sparse for Benjamin Sesko since swapping Germany for England, and he entered today’s fixture without a return in 10 for club and country.
As was the case against Wolves, his work rate is credible, and his efforts are not going unnoticed.
But the pressures of leading a Manchester attack are well-documented, and he appears to be the latest scapegoat to inherit social bruising.
Still, his ability with back-to-goal is invaluable for this side, particularly at a time when many of United’s creative avenues are absent.
Impressively, Sesko offered a regular outlet to alleviate pressure and retain possession during offloads, emphasised by the 5.5 kilometres covered during the opening half of a helter-skelter fixture.
We witnessed a similar English introduction for Rasmus Hojlund, and, as we stated in July, patience must be the predominant virtue when gauging the progress of our young attacker.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our social channels – photo by operations@newsimages.co.uk via depositphotos.com.
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