Marcus Rashford became the first Manchester United player since Wayne Rooney in April 2012 to score in six consecutive Premier League home games after kick-starting Wednesday night’s recovery against Leeds United.
Trailing 2-0 after Wilfried Gnonto’s second minute opener and Raphael Varane’s 48th minute own-goal, United got themselves back into the contest just past the hour mark, courtesy of a brilliant header from Rashford. The academy graduate rose highest inside the penalty area to meet Diogo Dalot’s cross and head home his 20th goal of the season in all competitions.
Rashford’s header provided United with the injection of confidence that they needed and they got themselves back on level terms just eight minutes later, thanks to Jodan Sancho’s first goal since September. Erik ten Hag’s side went close to finding a winner, with the best chance falling to Varane, but he was expertly denied by Leeds goalkeeper Ilan Meslier.
Though United will have been disappointed to have seen their winning run at Old Trafford come to an end, it did see them move to within two points of neighbours Manchester City in the table. A win against Leeds at Elland Road on Sunday will take them above them, even if it is only for a few hours.
For Rashford, however, Wednesday night’s contest saw him hit the 20-goal mark for the third time in the last four seasons, following his tallies of 22 goals in 2019/20 and 21 goals in 2020/21. His 62nd minute header also saw him maintain his excellent run of form at Old Trafford, where he has now scored 15 times this term.
FA charges Man Utd, Crystal Palace over players behaviours
Manchester United and Crystal Palace have been charged by the Football Association over a “mass confrontation” of players at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The incident saw United midfielder Casemiro sent off for putting his hands round Will Hughes’ neck.
Both clubs have been charged with failing to control their players in the Premier League match.
United also “failed to ensure its players refrained form violent behaviour”, according to the FA charge.
The 67th-minute confrontation in United’s 2-1 win was sparked by Palace’s Jeffrey Schlupp shoving Antony towards the perimeter boards.
Ten Hag wants VAR consistency after Casemiro red card
Both players received yellow cards before video assistant referee Tony Harrington spotted Casemiro with his hands round the neck of Palace midfielder Hughes.
After a pitchside review, referee Andre Marriner sent the Brazilian off for violent conduct, triggering an immediate three-match domestic ban.
The FA said: “Manchester United and Crystal Palace have been charged following a mass confrontation between their players in the 67th minute of the Premier League fixture on Saturday, February 4, 2023.
“It is alleged both clubs failed to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or refrained from provocative behaviour.
“It is also alleged that Manchester United failed to ensure its players refrained from violent behaviour.”
The two clubs have until Monday, 13 February to respond to the charges.
Aubameyang ‘agrees’ transfer after Aston Villa interest
Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has reportedly agreed to join MLS club LAFC after being linked with a transfer to Aston Villa.
Aubameyang joined Chelsea just six months ago from Barcelona, but was only signed as a short-term fix in Thomas Tuchel’s squad. Following the German’s exit and the subsequent appointment of Graham Potter, Aubameyang is now free to leave Stamford Bridge.
The Gabon international hasn’t started a Premier League match under Potter since club football resumed after the World Cup back in December. He was also kicked out of the club’s Champions League squad to make way for new signing Enzo Fernandez
Now, According to reports LAFC have reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign the 33-year-old. Aubameyang had been linked with a move to Villa with head coach Unai Emery said to be interested in a reunion with his former Arsenal forward.
Reports claimed that Villa were considering making a move for Aubameyang in the summer, with Emery known to be fond of the striker.
Emery wanted to add an experienced forward to his squad last month after he sold Danny Ings to West Ham for £15 million. Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran are the two forwards available for selection until the end of the season, while Leon Bailey and Bertrand Traore could also play in a forward role.