MANCHESTER – In the face of cruel taunts from Leeds fans, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho have responded in style.
Both players scored in a rousing second-half comeback as Manchester United came from behind to salvage a 2-2 Premier League draw on Wednesday.
“You failed your country,” chanted the guests at Old Trafford, referring to the United strikers’ missed penalties in England’s last penalty shoot-out defeat at Euro 2020 against Italy.
But by the end of the game, Rashford had scored his 20th goal of the season in all competitions to start United’s comeback and Sancho had equalized to mark his return to the first team.
Sancho’s contribution felt particularly meaningful after he was released earlier this season to boost his career.
“I’m really happy he’s on the right track, I hope he can keep his momentum and I’m sure it will strengthen him and motivate him even more,” said United manager Erik ten Hag. “He’s a brilliant footballer and if he can invest in the right measure he can be outstanding.”
Both Rashford and Sancho have taken time to get back on track after the Euros disappointment, which saw them face racial abuse afterwards, along with Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, who also missed a penalty.
However, Rashford is showing what may be the best form of his career this season, while Saka plays a key role in Arsenal’s title challenge.
It wasn’t the same story for Sancho, who has been struggling for consistency since joining United from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2021.
That led to Ten Hag giving him a break until last week when he came on as a substitute against Nottingham Forest in his first appearance since October.
With United suffering a shock defeat to relegation battle Leeds after going 2-0 early in the second half, Sancho was given his chance to make an impact and didn’t disappoint with a clean finish to salvage a tie.
“I wanted a different dynamic. At that moment we were not in the game. Luckily we managed it because we scored two goals,” said Ten Hag. “He’s in the back. We know he’s a great player. I think he can always have a big impact.”
As thrilling as United’s comeback was, they couldn’t shake the feeling that their title ambitions had been dealt a blow.
Leeds, who were without a manager following the sacking of Jesse Marsch on Monday and faced a desperate fight for survival, came close to leading United to a first home defeat in the league since the opening day of the season after goals from Wilfried Gnonto and an own goal by just 55 seconds Raphael Varane at the start of the second half.
Rashford and Sancho salvaged a point but United remain seven behind leaders Arsenal after playing two more games.
“Mixed feelings. In the end we were of course happy to have gained a point – but we lost two points,” said Ten Hag. “It’s a very bad start, unacceptable, especially in a derby you have to be ready to fight and to take responsibility. We didn’t do that.”
FULHAM PASSES THROUGH
Fulham secured their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 3-2 win over Sunderland in the replay.
Harry Wilson and Andreas Pereira put the Premier League club under control but Jack Clarke pulled one back for the home side.
Layvin Kurzawa made it 3-1 before Jewison Bennette scored for second division side Sunderland.
Fulham meet Leeds in the next round.
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