PL hits & misses: Supersubs strike again for Man Utd

Subs strike again for Man Utd

It was not long ago that we were talking about another Manchester United crisis following their FA Cup exit and draws with Burnley and Southampton in the Premier League.

However, two wins later and things are looking up again for Ralf Rangnick and his side as they held off a spirited Leeds fightback to strengthen their grip on fourth place in the Premier League.

It did look a little precarious for United at Elland Road after Leeds' quick-fire double at the start of the second half had brought the scores level.

But in tricky conditions, United's quality shone through, and it took an extremely bold decision from Rangnick to help swing the game in their favour.

Paul Pogba had been one of United's better players, but he was replaced by Fred, and Sky Sports' Gary Neville, who was co-commentating on the game, was left surprised at the decision to take the Frenchman off. However, the move paid dividends for United as Fred scored after just three minutes of being on the field before Anthony Elanga, who came on alongside Fred to replace Jesse Lingard, added United's fourth to seal all three points.

United have now scored 10 Premier League goals via substitutes this season, which is at least four more than any other side, and it was another feather in the cap of Rangnick, who has not been afraid to make bold substitutions in his short time at Old Trafford. Just ask Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, the move sealed what could be a crucial victory for United after seeing Tottenham and Arsenal pick up victories on Saturday.

The focus now turns to a Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid in midweek safe in the knowledge they have a four-point cushion to West Ham in fifth, despite the games in hand of