Carlos Baleba continues hot streak as Fernandes a part of losers’ duo for Man Utd draw vs Leeds

**Manchester United got a draw away at Leeds as Carlos Baleba continued his hot streak, but the positive headlines end there. **

In the grand scheme of things, a draw away at Leeds United is a good result, especially considering their form this season so far.

However, in the same grand scheme, it leaves Man Utd on seven points from seven games with a goal difference of zero, and winless in their last six games.

At least Carlos Baleba continues to look good in red, but the form of Bruno Fernandes is a much bigger worry for Michael Carrick.

Winners

Senne Lammens

Senne Lammens deserves credit for a brilliant save in the first half when the score was goalless, and he kept United in it with some confident goalkeeping in the second half.

His ability on the ball leaves a lot to be desired, but he’s an elite shot-stopper, and that comes through in games like these.

Carlos Baleba

Baleba was again at his all-action best in midfield, plugging the gaps, finding runners, recovering the ball, and throwing himself into duels.

His partnership with Andrey Santos has real potential once they familiarise themselves with each other, because their games fit perfectly.

Regardless of whether Carrick remains Man Utd manager or not, Baleba will be a key player for the club.

Leny Yoro

The position for Leny Yoro continues to shuffle from game to game, but the player is not allowing it to hamper his form.

Yoro played well at right-back this game, snuffing out any danger down his flank and protecting the far post from crosses off the right wing by staying positionally disciplined.

His future is at centre-back, and it’s time he gets an extended run there, especially if there’s an issue with Lisandro Martinez.

Losers

Bruno Fernandes

Fernandes is the biggest loser from this new midfield combination Carrick has tried because it leaves him as the odd man out on the wing.

He is still flexible in terms of spaces he takes up on the pitch, but it leaves United short of creators down the middle, and leaves the left-back with a lot to do without a winger ahead of him.

Fernandes got booked against Leeds and his tirade at the ref in the aftermath speaks of a frustrated player. This is no longer a bad patch of form. It’s time to worry.

Noussair Mazraoui

Ineos’ refusal to sign a left-back keeps haunting them in the most cruel ways, as after an injury crisis against Atletico, the one player who returned looked miles off it.

Noussair Mazraoui was given the runaround by Leeds on and off the ball, and like Fernandes, his frustration was palpable.

This is not a player enjoying his football, and if things don’t change soon, the “defensive rebuild of 2027” might include his sale.