Marcus Rashford scored his 21st goal of the season as Manchester United left it late to beat managerless Leeds United 2-0 at Elland Road on Sunday.

Rashford salvaged a 2-2 draw for Erik ten Hag's side after relegation-threatened Leeds had taken a shock two-goal lead when the two rivals met at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

The forward continued his outstanding form by heading the Red Devils in front 10 minutes from time in a fiery Premier League encounter in West Yorkshire.

Alejandro Garnacho sealed the victory five minutes later as Manchester United moved about Manchester City into second place ahead of the champions' game against Aston Villa later in the day.

The recalled Crysencio Summerville fired over the crossbar from close range under pressure from Tyrell Malacia in a bright start for Leeds.

Summerville had another great opportunity to open the scoring but was denied by a combination of David de Gea - making his 400th Premier League appearance - and Harry Maguire after getting in behind Malacia.

Illan Meslier rescued Leeds by keeping Bruno Fernandes' effort out with his feet after Max Wober's terrible pass gifted the Manchester United midfielder the chance to race clear at the end of a frenetic first half.

De Gea turned the lively Summerville's drive around the post just after the break and Luke Ayling's strike was deflected just wide as Leeds continued to knock on the door.

The Red Devils had not posed a threat in the second half until Diogo Dalot rattled the crossbar with a venomous right-foot shot from outside the penalty area 62 minutes in.

De Gea stuck out a boot to keep out another attempt from Summerville from a tight angle after he burst into the box and Leeds were made to pay for their profligacy when Rashford headed in Luke Shaw's pinpoint cross.

Leeds were caught out again when substitute Garnacho darted into the box and lashed into the net off the post, while Rashford and Wout Weghorst had goals ruled out for offside as the ruthless Red Devils finished with a flourish.

What does it mean? Red Devils make ground on Gunners

That is just one defeat in 15 games for Ten Hag's men, who are five points behind leaders Arsenal  – who have two games in hand – after moving into second place for the first time this season.

In the heat of a fiery battle, they dug in with Harry Maguire in from the start at centre-back alongside Luke Shaw before his England team-mate switched to left-back, and have not been beaten by Leeds in the top flight since back in September 2002.

Toothless Leeds must appoint a permanent successor to Jesse Marsch, who was sacked on Monday, as quickly as possible as they are just a place and a point above the relegation zone and without a Premier League in nine matches.

No stopping Rashford

Rashford has been in the form of his life since the World Cup, scoring 10 goals in 12 matches.

The England international has found the back of the net in four successive Premier League matches and 12 times in total in the top flight this season.

Clean sheet for De Gea on landmark appearance

Long-serving Red Devils goalkeeper De Gea became the first non-British player to make 400 Premier League appearances for the same club.

The Spaniard made six saves to keep Leeds at bay, with Summerville enduring a frustrating afternoon.

Key Opta Facts:

- Leeds are winless in nine games in the Premier League (D4 L5), their longest winless run in the competition since 10 games between March and August in 1997.
- Man United have won consecutive league games against Leeds at Elland Road for the first time since October 1976.
- Rashford has scored 21 goals in all competitions this season, only scoring more goals during the 2019-20 campaign (22).
- De Gea made his 400th Premier League appearance in this match – only Ryan Giggs (632) and Paul Scholes (499) have played more games for Manchester United in the competition.

What's next?

The Red Devils face Barcelona the first leg of their mouth-watering Europa League play-off at Camp Nou on Thursday. Leeds face fellow strugglers Everton next Saturday in a huge clash.