08 February 2023 , 22:09
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Leeds caretaker manager Michael Skubala kept his demands for his players short but sweet as the Whites battled to a point at Manchester United on Wednesday night.
The visitors took a 2-0 lead at Old Trafford thanks to a first-minute strike from Wilfried Gnoto and an own-goal from Raphael Varane but the Red Devils hit back through Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho in the second half. With an hour played and Leeds two goals to the good, it looked as though Skubala was on his way to masterminding an unlikely victory.
The 40-year-old was only appointed caretaker manager ahead of the fixture after Jesse Marsch was sacked on Monday, so few fans expected relegation-threatened Leeds to produce such a spirited display. However, Skubala's side defied the odds to earn a draw after receiving some to-the-point instructions from their temporary boss.
Sky Sports cameras honed in on his notepad at half-time and his four simple points read: "Transitions; close middle; believe; be calm." These four bullet points were in keeping with Skubala's comments in his pre-match press conference, in which he insisted Leeds would "have a go at Manchester United."
The caretaker boss, who was supported by assistant manager Chris Armas and technical coach Paco Gallardo, said: "It's a collective approach. We will pick the team together. I think any staff team in the modern way picks the team together.
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Michael Skubala's instructions were spotted at half-time (Twitter/SkySportsPL)"I'm here doing the press, but we're all behind-the-scenes working really hard to put a team that we think is really competitive on the pitch to have a good go at Manchester United. I would say it's an exciting prospect. It's Manchester United, and you know, for the players, change is change.
"They are professional players, none of us need to get any players up for Manchester United at Old Trafford. It's an exciting prospect and we'll do the best job we can do."
Michael Skubala oversaw a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford (Getty Images)The Whites made their caretaker manager proud with their all-action performance at Old Trafford, although he may have been disappointed to see his side squander a two-goal lead thanks to a brilliant header from Rashford and a fine strike from the returning Sancho.
It remains to be seen how long Skubala will be in the dugout for Leeds, who are pursuing Rayo Vallecano manager Andoni Iraola as their next boss. Carlos Corberan had been high on the Elland Road hierarchy's shortlist but he committed his future to West Brom by signing a new contract on Tuesday.
Leeds host the Red Devils in the reverse fixture on Sunday afternoon and will hope to go one better than the point they earned in midweek.