Slow start angers Ten Hag in Leeds draw

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag criticised his side’s “unacceptable” start to Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with managerless Leeds, despite battling back from 2-0 down.

Leeds sacked Jesse Marsch on Monday following a run of seven league games without a win.

Caretaker manager Michael Skubala had just one 20-minute training session to prepare for the trip across The Pennines, but the visitors had been on course for a first victory over United since 2010.

Wilfried Gnonto gave Leeds the perfect start after just a minute and Raphael Varane’s own goal doubled their advantage early in the second half.

Marcus Rashford’s 20th goal of the season sparked the United fightback before Jadon Sancho’s first goal since September stretched the Red Devils unbeaten run at home to 16 games.

“You can say we won a point because when you are in a derby and come back from 2-0 down it is good,” said Ten Hag after the first of two Premier League clashes in five days between the sides.

“But on the other hand when you start a derby like we did it’s unacceptable. You have to be ready to fight and we weren’t ready for the battle.”

A point leaves third-placed United still seven points adrift of leaders Arsenal, having played two games more.

The draw is more valuable to Leeds, who edge one point clear of the relegation zone.