Premier League 2

Leeds United 3 (McKinstry 12’, Dean 60’, Gray 70’)

Manchester United 0

Leeds: Klaesson (GK), Shackleton (Moore 45’), McCarron, Kenneh, Cresswell (C), Jenkins, Summerville, Bate (Gray 58’), Dean, Greenwood (Miller 63'), McKinstry. Subs not used: Van Den Heuvel (GK), Allen.

Man Utd: Mastny (GK), Wellens, Fernandez, Fish, Hardley, Svidersky (Emeran 61'), Shoretire, Iqbal (Savage 61'), Mellor (C), Mejbri, Garnacho (Hansen-Aaroen 75'). Subs not used: Vitek (GK), Stanley.

Venue: Elland Road

Attendance: 9,808

Referee: Thomas Kirk

Booked: Bate, Dean, Jenkins (Leeds) Hardley, Svidersky, Hannibal, Fernandez (Man Utd)

Leeds United’s Under-23s put in a performance to remember under the lights at Elland Road, as they ran out comfortable winners over rivals Manchester United. 

The Whites were on top throughout in this Premier League 2 clash and secured an important three points, after goals from Stuart McKinstry, Max Dean and a long-range stunner from Archie Gray.  

When the match got started, Leeds were on the attack and nearly opened the lead inside the first 10 minutes. Firstly, McKinstry forced Ondrej Mastny into his first save of the night, before Sam Greenwood then shot over the bar when well placed. 

It would only be two minutes later before the Whites did open the scoring though, through McKinstry. After Crysencio Summerville and Sam Greenwood both had shots blocked, McKinstry was alert and finished brilliantly into the bottom corner to make it 1-0. 

🤩 "McKinstry! Right place, right time!" pic.twitter.com/nqJQU2OnT5

— Leeds United (@LUFC) March 15, 2022

Just five minutes later and with the 9,808 strong crowd inside Elland Road in excellent voice, Summerville came close to doubling the advantage with a clever chip over Mastny but his effort dropped just wide of the post. 

In a half dominated by Andy Taylor’s side for the majority, Dean had two chances to extend the lead but he couldn’t find the back of the net, once placing wide and the other forcing another good save.

With just the one goal on the tally, Leeds had to be alert down the other end, and Kristoffer Klaesson was when called upon. Manchester United captain D’Mani Mellor called the stopper into action with him producing a wonderful save from the close-range shot. 

It wasn’t just Klaesson though who had to be on guard. Nohan Kenneh and Charlie Cresswell kept focused until the interval, as Kenneh made two important blocks to stop the away side equalising before the break, sending his own side in ahead at the whistle. 

HALF TIME: Leeds United 1-0 Manchester United

Taylor made a change at the break and came sent out his team for the second half a goal ahead. Jamie Shackleton came off and was replaced by Kris Moore, in a straight swap on the right-hand-side of defence. 

It was the Reds who had the best chance early in the second period. Again, Klaesson produced another brilliant save to deny Shola Shoretire at close range on this occasion. 

On the hour mark in the match, the points were all but secured for the home side. Shortly after being introduced, Archie Gray pressed the defence of the visitors and won the ball back, Greenwood picked it up and squared for Dean to strike a composed finish into the bottom corner to make it two. 

🔥 "Here comes Max Dean!!!" pic.twitter.com/DtmQVFs4sX

— Leeds United (@LUFC) March 15, 2022

Leeds were now well in control the and the crowd were still in fine voice around Elland Road. They saw that their team were battling and continuing to put in a solid display, searching for more, and that constant effort would be rewarded. 

Two goals would soon become three, with a similar combination to the second. This time it was Dean with the pressing and he forced a mistake from Mastny in the Manchester United goal. Gray was the beneficiary, picking the ball up 40 yards from goal and unleashing a long-range strike which found the back of the net to make it three! 

🤯 "You beauty! Archie Gray take a bow!" pic.twitter.com/MOOdhg9VdU

— Leeds United (@LUFC) March 15, 2022

Both sides had chances as the game entered the final few minutes but there were no further goals. An important three points were added to the tally of Leeds United Under-23s and they were thoroughly deserved. 

Next up for Taylor’s side is a trip to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, where they will face Chelsea, who are now five points below them in the table after this thumping success over Manchester United. 

FULL TIME: Leeds United 3-0 Manchester United