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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Chris Doyle

Gary Neville makes feelings clear on tackle on Bruno Fernandes before second Leeds goal

Gary Neville reckons it was the correct decision for VAR to uphold Raphinha's equaliser for Leeds United against Manchester United after a challenge on Bruno Fernandes.

The Red Devils were well on their way to three points at Elland Road after Harry Maguire and Fernandes gave the visitors a 2-0 lead at the break.

But Leeds came storming back with two goals in quick succession at the start of the second half before United would respond as super-subs Fred and Anthony Elanga sealed a 4-2 victory.

Rodrigo's cross-come-shot wrong-footed David de Gea to pull one back, before Raphinha's close-range strike put the hosts on level terms shortly after.

There was some controversy in the build-up as Fernandes went down clutching his leg after a strong challenge by Adam Forshaw.

Adam Forshaw challenges Bruno Fernandes in the build up to Leeds' equaliser vs Manchester United (Sky Sports)

Was it a foul on Bruno Fernandes in the build-up to Leeds' equaliser? Comment below

Referee Paul Tierney didn't see anything in it as Daniel James played on to set up the Brazilian, but VAR would have a look at the challenge to double-check it was the right decision.

Hary Maguire pleaded with the ref for a foul as Fernandes writhed around on the turf as Leeds celebrated in front of their supporters.

But it was deemed a fair challenge as the goal stood with Marcelo Bielsa's men drawing level.

And former Man United defender Gary Neville, who was on commentary duty for Sky Sports at Elland Road, was adamant it was the right call.

He said: “I’m not sure that’s a foul. There isn’t too much in it, I’d be surprised if they overturn it.

“It’s onside, it’s just that challenge, Forshaw on Fernandes. Harry Maguire pleads for the foul.”

United would regain the lead as Fred made an instant impact off the bench replacing Paul Pogba with a powerful strike that nestled into the back of the net at Illan Meslier's near post.

Elanga, who was struck on the head with a coin as he celebrated Fred's go-ahead strike, would then give United some breathing room as he put away their fourth goal of the match late on.

Maguire's opener was United's first goal from a corner in 140 attempts as Luke Shaw's set-piece delivery was headed home by the skipper

Maguire heads home Man Utd's first goal from a corner this season (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

And Neville praised the England international for halting the "embarrassing" streak.

He added: "That statistic was becoming a bit of an embarrassment [no goals from 139 corners this season]. Harry Maguire, questions before the game about him but he attacks it. It's Llorente, who he just mauls.

"He knows he's got the flight of the ball and uses the pace on it - it’s a really good header and it’s past Meslier before he can react. It's the Manchester United captain who puts them 1-0 up."

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