Leeds United survival hopes hang on form of Adam Forshaw, five tackles v Manchester United
Leeds United may have fallen to a 4-2 defeat at home to Manchester United at Elland Road but the man of the match was arguably wearing white.
Returning to the starting XI in place of Raphinha came holding midfielder Adam Forshaw and it looked like he had never been away as he got stuck into the ‘War of the Roses’ rivalry.
The 30-year-old battled for every ball from minute one to minute 95 in an inspiring display that ultimately went unrewarded.
His WhoScored.com rating might only say 6.44 (out of a possible 10) but that doesn’t tell the whole story.
Using the stats they provide, he made five tackles throughout the game in horrid conditions, more than any other player on the pitch as well as his 50 passes at an 86% completion ratio.
Two shots, one on target, and two vital interceptions added to his fine display and after the game, he still had the energy to jog all around Elland Road, applauding the home support [Joe Donohue on Twitter].
His ability on the ball might not be to the same level as some of Leeds’ more creative midfielders like Mateusz Klich or Rodrigo, who scored a cross-cum-shot early in the second half, but his work rate is unrivalled.
The rest of Marcelo Bielsa’s squad can learn a lot from Forshaw as even when they were down and out, he was giving it absolutely everything to try and change things for the better.
There will be more technically-apt midfielders available to Bielsa next season but if he replaces Forshaw, he will struggle to find someone as dedicated and full of belief that can inspire the players around him.
In other Leeds United news, one player received a 3/10 in our player ratings as the Leeds man of the match gets an 8/10.