THE NOTEBOOK: David de Gea marks his 400th Premier League appearance with a clean sheet

Two late goals for Manchester United from Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho ensured they closed the gap on leaders Arsenal to five points. 

Leeds had pressed and harried the visitors for much of the afternoon and could have led but for some wayward finishing with United’s quality eventually telling in the end.

On a fevered afternoon at Elland Road, the game at times appeared a throwback to a bygone era with tackles flying in and referee Paul Tierney often opting to let the game flow. 

Sportsmail’s Chris Wheeler takes a look at some of the things you may have missed from Elland Road

Goals from Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho ensured Man United of all three points

Alfred Schreuder watches on for manager-less Leeds 

Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear used his column in the match programme to reassure fans that the search for a new manager is ‘well advanced’, and possibly even more so than we thought judging by Alfred Schreuder’s presence at Elland Road.

Schreuder, who replaced Erik ten Hag at Ajax but was sacked by the Dutch club last month, has emerged as a strong contender to succeed Jesse Marsch at Leeds.

Leeds are keen to make an appointment before Saturday’s crunch clash with Everton and have had little joy in their attempts to prise Andoni Iraola from Rayo Vallecano.

They were also rejected by Feyenoord’s Arne Slot while West Brom’s Carlos Corberan was considered also but chose to sign a longer contract at the Hawthorns.

Schreuder was installed as the bookmakers favourite late on Saturday evening after a flurry of bets.

Alfred Schreuder is currently without a job after being sacked by Ajax

Relegation rivals provide must-win games

Defeat saw Leeds equal their club record of nine Premier League games without a win in the same season, first set in 1997. They now face two crucial games in the battle for survival against fellow strugglers Everton and Southampton.

Super sub Garnacho continues to shine

Alejandro Garnacho responded to Erik ten Hag’s criticism of his finishing in the midweek draw with Leeds at Old Trafford by taking his chance here. The teenager has now been involved in four goals off the bench this season with two goals and two assists – more than any other player.

De Gea marks his 400th cap with a clean sheet

David De Gea became the first goalkeeper – and first non-British player – to make 400 Premier League appearances for one club as he kept a clean sheet at Elland Road.

The Spaniard played his part in United’s victory, making a crucial save one-on-one from Crysencio Summerville moments before Marcus Rashford headed the visitors in front.

De Gea, who remains in talks with United over a new contract to replace his current £375,000-a-week deal, said: ‘Today wasn’t about 400, it was about winning and we did it so now I can enjoy it.’ 

Alejandro Garnacho got United’s second off the bench, his fourth goal involvement as a sub

David de Gea made his 400th Premier League appearance and marked it with a clean sheet

Maguire looks unconvincing in first team return

Given that Marcel Sabitzer was having to make only his second start for United in the space of five days due to the lack of midfield options open to Ten Hag, and Jadon Sancho his first since October on the right wing, it was a bold call by the United manager to tinker with his back-four.

Harry Maguire made the starting line-up in the Premier League for only the fifth time this season – and looked decidedly shaky at times – with Luke Shaw playing alongside him in central defence. ‘One part is rotation, the other part is tactics,’ said Ten Hag before kick-off.

As at Old Trafford on Wednesday, it was only when Ten Hag made changes midway through the second half – particularly sending on Lisandro Martinez for Malacia and switching Shaw to left-back – that United looked more comfortable and were rewarded with two goals.

Harry Maguire looked shaky in defence in what was only his fifth start this season