Jermaine Beckford’s 19th minute strike lifted Leeds United to a shock FA Cup victory over Manchester United. However, count me among those who were only mildly shocked by this result.
English Football is so much about tradition, history and passion. I have no doubt Alex Ferguson had trepidations when the third round draw was completed, hoping Leeds would lose their second round replay. After all, the lineage between Leeds United and Manchester United has helped to define English football for two generations.
The temptation Fergie may have had to save his squad for Wednesday’s Carling Cup semifinal versus Manchester City went out the window when Leeds were confirmed as the FA Cup Third Round opposition. The fact that Ferguson played a strong side, and was still beaten should send alarm bells throughout the football world: Leeds United is back.
Simon Grayson got his tactics right today. After Beckford’s goal, Leeds pushed forward often and hunted in packs, often relieving one another defensively and wearing United’s attacking players down.
Wayne Rooney was brilliant as he often is for United today, but the rest of the side was decidedly average. Leeds, in fact looked more dangerous on the counter attack in the second half, than Man United did in possession.
The Red Devils lack of creativity and midfield consistency was painfully evident today. The long term injury to Owen Hargreaves has been particularly damaging to the side, and that was once again on display today, as Leeds transitioned comfortably to counter attacking after winning possession in midfield.
Today’s win for Grayson’s side is a signal to the football world. Many have relished the financial collapse of one of England’s giant clubs, but even they would concede that today, Leeds is once again relevant.
People by now know that I was a Manchester United supporter in my younger days, reformed as I matured and realized that I was supporting individual players rather than the club (this process happened in other leagues, sports, too). Perhaps that is why I was happy to see this result. It might be anathema for a Red Devils supporter to smile at what Leeds did, but that might be why I’m not cut out to support individual clubs. I loved this story, I love the idea that Leeds might truly be ready for a resurgence (a run towards the Premiership), but also: I like the idea that a lot of people might be realizing that these top clubs in England are, this year, highly flawed.
[...] Set Piece Analysts on the match. [...]
I also noticed the “hunting in packs” as you called it and that they also forced United’s wingers into the middle of the pitch were it was congested and they gave up the ball a lot.
A great win for Leeds!
I think everyone (except maybe Manchester United fans, but even they have to see some of the good here) is thrilled for Leeds. It’s like the villain of the show. You hate him, but when he’s gone, it’s not as entertaining without him (like Jose Mourinho, for instance). Tough draw for them in the next round, though.