FOR A TEAM that can’t win at home this was some performance.
For a group who starts games too slowly, it was some start.
Scott McTominay pinged United into an early leadCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
United were 2-0 up after three minutesCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
And for a player that some question is worthy of the Manchester United shirt, some statement.
Scott McTominay made Premier League history as the only player to score two goals in the opening three minutes of a game.
United had four by the break, six by the end and moved into the title race.
This is what they can do but hadn’t at home in winning only one of their previous six league games at Old Trafford, courtesy of a penalty against West Brom.
Their last league goal from open play had come came through Donny van de Beek in a 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace in their opening game of the season.
Now this.
Of course it helps when you are up against a team that gives you the space to do it.
All that heralded Leeds pressing inevitably leaves gaps behind and Solskjaer’s team was nimble enough to exploit them.
Man United’s display delighted boss SolskjaerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Marcelo Bielsa was fuming with some of his side’s defendingCredit: PA:Press Association
Have no doubt this was a fine performance to celebrate the Norwegian’s two years in charge.
Another step along what he believes is the right road for this team and club.
McTominay, 24, will certainly not forget this.
Another Academy graduate who continues to make good.
There was a minute on the board when Luke Shaw’s tenacity on half way won the ball and Marcus Rashford fed Bruno Fernandes who squared for McTominay 20-yards out.
The finish was sublime, cutting across the ball with his right foot and drilling the ball into the bottom right hand corner.
No time to catch your breath as the second went in on three minutes.
Shaw’s throw-in found Anthony Martial whose turn and side rule pass through for the on running McTominay was perfection.
The Scottish international did the rest this time using his right foot to control and his left to despatch the ball acoss Illian Meslier and in.
Bruno Fernandes made it 3-0Credit: EPA
Victor Lindelof grabbed a rare goalCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
The delight in McTominay’s face said it all.
What he has like many before him who have come through the youth ranks here is that ingrained determination to give it his all, every minute of every game.
Jose Mourinho spotted his workrate which is why he promoted him to the first team ranks.
He loved the way he followed his instructions and just got on with it.
Solskjaer values the energy he gives his midfield.
If you want to compare him to a United player of the past think Darren Fletcher, maybe not appreciated outside the club, but certainly within it.
He can keep Donny van de Beek on the bench sat with Paul Pogba and Juan Mata and didn’t cost a penny.
United had a third on 20 minutes.
Leeds grabbed a goal back through skipper Liam CooperCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Dan James made it 5-1 against the team he nearly signed forCredit: AFP
It was another swift passing move that tore through the huge gaps in Marcelo Bielsa’s team.
This time the ball finished with Bruno Fernandes who powered a low shot into the far bottom corner.
Number four on 37 minutes came from a perfectly worked set-piece corner.
Shaw’s outswinger was headed across the six yard box by Martial and there was Victor Lindelof at the far post to finish it off.
Leeds did get one back before the break when Liam Cooper headed home a corner and five minutes after the restart could have had another.
This time Raphinha met a cross at the far post with a volley denied by a top quality reaction stop by De Gea who steered the ball onto the poss.
It was breathless stuff and as far away from the turgid Manchester derby last time out here as you could get.
McTominay remained central to all the action and provided the assist for Daniel James to score number five on 65 minutes.
Fernandes converted his spot-kick with a hop, skip and a jumpCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Stuart Dallas beat David de Gea with a stunning consolation strikeCredit: AFP
The Scot strode through the centre of the park evading one challenge, turning through another and then pinging a pass forward
It had pace on it but James touch was perfect. He looked up for options but then decided to fire home himself through the goalkeeper’s legs.
Three minutes later the Red Devils were awarded their traditional penalty.
Martial the man upended by substitute Pascal Struijk and Fernandes did his hop skip and jump to deceive the goalkeeper and trickle the ball home.
Still Leeds weren’t finished and a great strike from Stuart Dallas got them one back curling a shot into the far top corner.
It was the 73rd minute yet their bench lead by ‘El Loco’ Bielsa were screaming as if there was still something to be had from this game.
There wasn’t, it was over. It was brilliant.
⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford
Marcus Rashford speaks of his love for Man Utd and says he could never wear another club’s shirt
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
