Leeds United’s U23 side reminded 9,808 Elland Road spectators of their effervescent best with a scintillating 3-0 win over rivals Manchester United on Tuesday night. The young Whites scored early through Stuart McKinstry, before doubling their lead in the second half courtesy of Max Dean’s cool finish.
Substitute Archie Gray struck from 35 yards to put the icing on a fine team performance as Manchester United goalkeeper Ondrej Mastny vacated his goal.
Here are the Leeds United U23 player ratings from Elland Road.
Kristoffer Klaesson – 8
Manchester United had opportunities which were largely dealt with by the Leeds rearguard, but when called into action Klaesson delivered. D’Mani Mellor’s chipped finish looked destined for the net as Klaesson rushed out midway through the first half, but a strong arm as he spread himself denied the visitors’ captain.
Early in the second half, Klaesson kept Leeds in front with another strong, close-range stop. One of his best performances.
Jamie Shackleton – 7
Leeds’ most senior player on the night and it showed. Shackleton’s ability to dispossess Man United players who were slack in possession was a highlight during his 45-minute run-out.
Nohan Kenneh – 9
Decisive block and tackle on the stroke of half-time to deny Man United an equaliser. Looked steady alongside Charlie Cresswell all evening and successfully put his body on the line several times. A contender for his most complete performance of the season.
Charlie Cresswell – 8
Headed anything that moved and marshalled the back line. A safe pair of hands at U23 level, no matter the opposition.
Liam McCarron – 7
Solid evening at left-back for the young Scot. Fewer opportunities to burst forward but his organisation with the rest of the defence was positive.
Jack Jenkins – 8
Swept up in front of the defence, making some important tackles during the first half. Manchester United’s failure to create from central positions was largely Jenkins’ doing, timing his pressing actions well.
Lewis Bate – 6
Substituted with an injury midway through the second half, Bate’s night ended in disappointment but played a part in a promising team performance.
Stuart McKinstry – 8
McKinstry’s finest performance of the season and he marked it with a goal. The Scot took his effort well, sweeping the ball into the bottom corner as it fell his way inside the opening quarter of an hour.
His touch, distribution over short, medium and long distances, as well as his ability to work back and put opponents under pressure was impressive throughout. Influence waned in the second half, but his first half display deserves credit.
Crysencio Summerville – 8
Another exemplary showing from the young Dutch winger at Elland Road – particularly in the first half – following his influential display versus Liverpool U23s last month. His spin inside the area, before laying off to Sam Greenwood helped Leeds find their opening goal, meanwhile his speed on the shoulder of the last man caused issues for Man United all evening. Notably quieter in the second half, but made an impact during the first 45.
Having been named on the bench in recent weeks, and with Jesse Marsch in attendance tonight, he’ll be pleased.
Max Dean – 9
As with any Max Dean performance, endeavour, grit and determination are guaranteed. He was supported well by the trio of Greenwood, Summerville and McKinstry, and was unfortunate not to find the net in the first half, side-footing wide on one occasion and seeing another effort saved.
Shortly after the restart, Dean got his goal, striking low past Mastny after Gray and Greenwood had pressed Hannibal Mejbri into forfeiting possession.
Substitutes
Kris Moore – 7
Replaced Jamie Shackleton at half-time, coming on at right-back. Steady and organised.
Archie Gray – 9
Hassled Hannibal Mejbri into ceding possession of the ball in the lead up to Max Dean’s goal, exhibiting a never-say-die approach to pressing high up the pitch.
The composure he displayed in picking his spot 35 yards from goal as Man United goalkeeper Ondrej Mastny went walkabout was certainly the highlight of the evening; an excellent finish which capped a fine result.
Amari Miller – 6
Came on at left-wing for the closing stages with the game already won.
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