Five things learned from Leeds United v Man United: Ao Tanaka and Willy Gnonto shock

Leeds United lost 5-4 on penalties to Michael Carrick’s Man United at Croke Park on Wednesday night after a 1-1 draw, the venue’s first club football match.

A sell-out 82,000 saw Daniel Farke make six changes, Brenden Aaronson strike again, and James Trafford catch the eye in front of ITV’s cameras. Leedsunited.news highlights five takeaways from the night.

Aaronson’s pre-season now reads two goals and an assist in three outings, plus a pre-assist against Leipzig, strengthening the case for a new deal.

Ao Tanaka has added a long throw to his armoury, mirroring Ethan Ampadu’s development over the past year, and it already looks an important attacking option for Leeds.

Recruitment looks pressing at left-back and up front. Rhys Chadwick started on the left, with Lukas Nmecha up top. With Gabi Gudmundsson injured and Jayden Lienou next in line, a left-back is needed before August 22.

The move to a 3-5-2 has placed wingers under scrutiny, yet Willy Gnonto’s near-perfect half as a right wing-back stood out. With Jayden Bogle short on form, the Italian may have revived his Leeds spell.

An imminent Sebastiaan Bornauw sale would be a mistake. He is said to be pushing for Hamburg, yet he was the only player to complete the 90 and looked assured across two roles.

Source: Leedsunited.news

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