Sancho building into a Premier League star, Rangnick unlocks Pogba as Man United tops Leeds in thrilling 4-2 result

Jeorge Bird

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Sancho building into a Premier League star, Rangnick unlocks Pogba as Man United tops Leeds in thrilling 4-2 result image

Manchester United still has many improvements to make, but the 4-2 victory away to Leeds represented a step in the right direction for Ralf Rangnick's side.

In something of a throwback encounter, with the rain lashing down and plenty of challenges flying, United showed strength to prevail and boost its chances of securing a top four finish.

While the Red Devils saw Leeds erase a 2-0 deficit in a flash, this time the Red Devils produced a scintillating response to the adversity, with a pair of late goals coming from second-half substitutes. The final 20 minutes was a far cry from the past few months when Manchester United has squandered leads and lacked an answer.

Here are five things that we learned from today's game at Elland Road.

Jadon Sancho is Manchester United's key man

Jadon Sancho has endured plenty of frustration since his move from Borussia Dortmund, but the winger is really starting to settle at Manchester United and he produced a performance of a very high standard today.

MORE: Full match recap as Man United tops Leeds 4-2

Sancho set up goals for Bruno Fernandes and Fred, with his pace and trickery causing plenty of problems for the Leeds defense. He created three chances throughout the match and was lively on the ball, winning three dribble attempts and picking up the aforementioned pair of assists.

United has plenty of other creative players at its disposal, but Sancho is fast emerging as their key man. The 21-year-old still needs to show greater consistency, but when he is at his best he is extremely difficult to deal with.

Ralf Rangnick has unleashed Paul Pogba 

Ralf Rangnick has received a considerable amount of criticism during his spell at United interim boss so far, but one huge positive from the German's time in charge is that he has helped to get the best out of Paul Pogba, something which previous managers have frequently struggled with.

Pogba was an attacking presence at Elland Road until his withdrawal in the 67th minute, successful on all five of his dribble attempts as well as his only cross.

In addition to being a creative threat with his passes, Pogba was also often found drifting out wide as he made good use of his technical ability. It was somewhat surprising that he was substituted in the 67th minute, but his replacement, Fred, soon managed to find the net, which justified Rangnick's decision in making the change.

Pogba's ability is unquestionable, but he hasn't always been a player that United can rely upon. If the 28-year-old can continue to perform to this standard then he will be seen as a strength rather than a problem.

Manchester United has more freedom in attack

One of the main problems for United has been a lack of goals, but that certainly wasn't an issue on this occasion as the Red Devils found the net four times.

Leeds' penchant for playing attacking football, allied with its defensive vulnerability, may well have contributed somewhat, but United was certainly less rigid in its approach and frequently looked dangerous going forwards.

Cristiano Ronaldo may not quite be the force he was previously, but he is still important in terms of creating space and bringing others into play, while Bruno Fernandes also helped to initiate attacks. There was better movement from United, and the club will hope to replicate that in its upcoming games.

The Leeds-Manchester United rivalry is still enthralling

This was the first time since 2003 that these sides had met in a Premier League game at Elland Road with fans present, and the rivalry, is still as fierce as ever.

Coupled with the weather conditions as rain poured down in sheets, a host of vicious tackles and testy moments made for a rather chaotic encounter.

MORE: Ranking Man United's top 5 rivalries

After Leeds scored two goals early in the second half the atmosphere was electric, but it was the Manchester United fans who were jubilant at the end. There was certainly an edge to this game and it was very enjoyable to watch.

Dan James makes an impact against his old club

Dan James' spell at Manchester United didn't go to plan, as demonstrated by the fact that he only scored nine goals in 74 games for the club.

James, the first man to appear for both Man United and Leeds in the same season against each other since Eric Cantona, seemed especially determined to make an impact against his former club. The Welsh attacker got stuck into the battle and made a major contribution as he provided the assist for Raphinha's goal.

The 24-year-old seems much more at home at Leeds than he ever was at Manchester United and he provided a reminder of the qualities that attracted him to the Old Trafford club in the first place as he made good use of his pace and determination.

Jeorge Bird