Here are your Leeds United morning headlines for Thursday, February 9.
Lisandro Martinez knew 'exactly' what he was doing against Patrick Bamford
Michael Owen has claimed that Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez 'got away with' dragging his studs across Patrick Bamford's head during Leeds United's 2-2 draw at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.
Willy Gnonto opened the scoring after just 55 seconds against Man United before a Raphael Varane own goal early in the second half saw the Whites open up a two-goal lead at Old Trafford for the first time since 1974. Erik ten Hag's side hit back through Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho to eventually share the points ahead of Sunday's return trip to Elland Road.
Away from the spotlight, Bamford and Martinez were contesting a 50/50 ball that ended in the pair tumbling to the ground. With the Leeds man lying on the floor, it appeared as if Martinez proceeded to drag his studs across the top of Bamford's head - an action that went unpunished by the referee and VAR.
READ MORE: Leeds United suffer early double injury blow in Manchester United clash
And Owen thought the Argentine was lucky to avoid any further punishment: “We have all been there before where you think ‘you know what, I can make this look like quite a natural movement, but I am going to leave a little bit on him’,” Owen told Premier League Productions.
“He knows absolutely everything that he is doing here. This little hook around the neck. He can easily avoid that. Then to keep his foot there and drag his studs on the top of Bamford’s head. But it wasn’t a stamp. It wasn’t an obvious action. You are always going to get away with it.
“He knows deep down that he is trying to leave a little bit on him there. A little stud on the head. It’s not pleasant. Metal studs are quite sore when they scrape down on your head. He knows exactly what he is doing.”
Wilfried Gnonto's Marcus Rashford gesture immediately after scoring
Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto sent an immediate gesture towards Manchester United star Marcus Rashford straight after putting the Whites 1-0 up at Old Trafford after just 56 seconds.
The 19-year-old netted his second goal of the season in the Premier League after a brilliant one-two with Patrick Bamford set him up outside of the box before he let fly past David de Gea and into the bottom-left corner.
He then ran straight towards a packed corner full of Man United fans and pulled Rashford's signature celebration of pointing his index finger to his head, right in front of the star himself.
Leeds United player ratings as Wober, Ayling and Gnonto dazzle in Man United draw
Leeds United (4-2-3-1)
1 Illan Meslier
Not a huge amount he could do about the home goals, especially the second smashed through a crowd of bodies. Pulled off one excellent save in the first half to deny Marcel Sabitzer and then another to tip over Raphael Varane's header later. 7
2 Luke Ayling (c)
A fantastic performance from the captain. Showed nous and leadership. Big blocks, big tackles and big personality. Had Alejandro Garnacho pocketed. 8
Click here to find out how the rest of the squad fared.
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