Ralf Rangnick and Marcelo Bielsa no doubt had carefully laid plans coming into this fixture. But as they embraced at the end of a madcap 90 minutes, glasses cloudy and drenched to the bone, they might wonder why they bothered.
Everyone has a progressive tactical system until they get gale force winds in the face. And for all the fine-tuning done in the week ahead of this meeting between one side looking up and the other looking down, Manchester United’s triumph by four goals to Leeds United’s two was down to being able to keep their feet above the water. Along with the bruises and knocks to assess, it wouldn’t be a surprise if those who took part are checked for trench foot.
