‘They are just looking’: BBC pundit slams Leeds players for not helping Illan Meslier out against Manchester United

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Manchester United won out at Elland Road against Leeds today despite a spirited second half display from Marcelo Bielsa’s men.

Rodrigo and Raphinha had helped Leeds back into the game after being 2-0 down. But two goals from Manchester United subs Elanga and Fred ensured Ralf Rangnick’s side left West Yorkshire with all three points.

For Leeds, all four goals were preventable and symptomatic of their season. Indeed, the first goal from Harry Maguire was a set-piece that Leeds could and should have done far better with. Maguire was simply free to head home as both Illan Meslier and the Leeds defence watched on.

However, while Meslier got some criticism for the error and not coming to collect, BBC pundit and former England midfielder, Chris Waddle, felt that the Leeds defenders should have done more to help their man.

“It is an easy goal. The goalkeeper is in no-man’s land, he’s come and stopped. But the people who are marking haven’t even looked at the ball, they are just looking at their men. Maguire hasn’t even jumped. It is a simple header. Man Utd deserve their lead,” Waddle said while watching on for BBC Live.

Opposition stopper David de Gea didn’t cover himself in glory in the game either. He made an error of judgement to allow Rodrigo’s cross-shot to evade him. However, in terrible conditions, it’s easy to simply blame the goalkeepers.

TBR’s View: Leeds Need To Sort Defensive Issues Quickly

It’s been the same old story all season really. Leeds look ok going forward but look like conceding nearly every time someone goes forward.

Manchester United could have had even more goals today. It’s something Marcelo Bielsa has to sort out or Leeds could very much be sucked into a relegation battle.