"Deserve the victory" - Marcelo Bielsa says Leeds United's win over Sheffield United was a “just result”

Marcelo Bielsa, the Leeds United manager, says his side’s 1-0 victory at Sheffield United this afternoon was a “just result”.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder and Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa (right) shake hands after the final whistle: Oli Scarff/NMC Pool/PA Wire.Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder and Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa (right) shake hands after the final whistle: Oli Scarff/NMC Pool/PA Wire.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder and Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa (right) shake hands after the final whistle: Oli Scarff/NMC Pool/PA Wire.

In an enthralling Yorkshire derby high on chances, if low on goals, Bielsa’s men took three points after Patrick Bamford headed home in the 88th minute.

Earlier, Leeds ‘keeper Illan Meslier had made stunning saves from John Lundstram and George Baldock to keep the game scoreless, and was named man-of-the-match by pundit Steve McManaman on BT Sport.

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But Bielsa, who saw his side also force a string of fine saves from United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, insisted: “It was a just result.

"The first half was even. We could have scored, but we could have conceded and the second half was a lot better for us.

"We created a small, but just difference to deserve the victory. We managed to attack better we had six or seven opportunities and in that sense the offensive animation was better.

Bielsa withdrew second-half substitute Rodrigo in the closing stages. “It wasn't a good decision,” he added, “because Bamford was tired and I should have left Rodrigo on the field."

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Goalscorer Bamford said after the final whistle: “It was a tough game, they made us work for it. The way they play makes it difficult for us and how we want to press.

"It was a difficult game. The goal came off my nose but I'll take it. I was disappointed not to score in the first half but I am happy to get one eventually.”

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