MY ACCOUNT
Ralf Rangnick described Manchester United’s thrilling win over Leeds United as the “best reply” to reports of dressing disunity.
The Red Devils ran out 4-2 victors over their trans-Pennine rivals in a Premier League classic at Elland Road.
First-half goals from Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes had the visitors coasting, but a quickfire double from Rodrigo and Raphinha had Leeds level by the 54th minute.
However, substitutes Fred and Anthony Elanga were both on target to make it back-to-back Premier League wins for Rangnick’s men.
The triumph comes at the end of a week in which captain Maguire and Marcus Rashford have both publicly denied articles claiming there is disharmony among Rangnick’s squad.
Speaking at a news conference, interim boss Rangnick said: “We knew it was an important win today, similar to the one against West Ham, similar emotion at the end with a last-second goal.
“Today it was more important, not only that we won, but the way we reacted after conceding the equaliser, that was the best possible answer the team could give.
“It was perfect in regard to maturity and unity and the best reply they could give to some articles last week that there was disruption in the locker room.
“A game like this one today, you can only win as a team and the mentality of a team. Apart from the three points, this was the most important thing for me.”
There is certainly no love lost between the two teams, but the hostile atmosphere at times boiled over with objects thrown in the direction of Manchester United players from sections of the home crowd.
Commenting on the unsavoury images, Rangnick added to MUTV: “As far as I know, there is some investigation going on from Leeds United.
“I don’t think that anything happened in the end. Anthony Elanga looked well and he was happy about scoring his goal.
“Obviously things like that should not happen and I think even more so this game. The atmosphere was great.
“At times we had to cool down things on the pitch a little bit, but this is what I did when I walked onto the pitch [during a late fracas between the players]. I didn’t want anything to happen – no yellow or red cards.
“In moments like this, I think it’s important to try and cool things down.”
Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa said such things should not happen, though added he did not see what occurred.
“Any excess other than sporting should not be approved. I can’t evaluate what you spoke about because I didn’t see it,” Bielsa said.
