During the 62nd minute of Sunday’s clash between Leeds United and Manchester United, Brenden Aaronson lit up the Elland Road crowd with his first goal in over two months.
The English Premier League match ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving Leeds hovering in the bottom five. However, Aaronson’s goal was a shining moment for both the 25-year-old American midfielder and the West Yorkshire club, especially following his dip in form in November.
advertisement
Just six weeks prior, Leeds manager Daniel Farke addressed the intense social media backlash against Aaronson, defending him passionately. With Leeds in the midst of a seven-game losing streak, the midfielder’s solid performance has relieved some pressure on both himself and the team.
Aaronson opened the scoring by cleverly slipping into the blind spot of defender Aiden Haven, intercepting a heavy through ball from Pascal Struijk. The New Jersey native then calmly slotted the ball past Haven and into the far corner for his second Premier League goal of the season.
The Red Devils equalized just three minutes later, but the draw improved Leeds’ record to 2-0-5—an encouraging change after their four consecutive losses in November. Currently, Los Blancos sit in 16th place, now eight points clear of the relegation zone.
advertisement
“It’s fantastic for our team to stay unbeaten,” said Aaronson. “But obviously, we were aiming for three points.”
Regarding his goal, he shared, “I was just trying to get in behind, hoping for a bit of luck. Sometimes, you have to take risks. The ball came to me and I think the defender didn’t expect me to run off his shoulder like that. I took the touch and then just aimed for the net.”
Since being benched for four straight games, Aaronson has started the last four matches, contributing an assist in a recent 1-1 draw against Sunderland. With three assists leading the team, he’s tied for second in overall contributions with two goals.
The atmosphere was quite different in late November when Farke defended the American amid fan criticism.
advertisement
“I’m concerned about where we are as a society with the issue of social media,” he remarked then. “When you’re facing 5,000 negative comments as a 25-year-old, it can feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders.”
“I could have easily blamed him, and everyone would have agreed. But I stand up for people. I work in a job that involves human beings. I recognize what this young man contributes. He’s always been an outstanding teammate.”
Farke emphasized, “If you’re assessing his performance, at least be a bit fair. If you can’t, then don’t preach about mental health awareness while disregarding it.”
Staying in good form, Aaronson is likely to earn a call-up for the U.S. training camp ahead of friendlies against Belgium and Portugal in March, with the World Cup squad to be announced in late May.
Brenden Aaronson, a native of New Jersey, has been pivotal for Leeds United this season, overcoming rigorous criticism.
(Action image via Reuters/REUTERS)
A participant in the 2022 World Cup, Aaronson played eight times last year, beginning three matches and obtaining one goal against Trinidad and Tobago in the Gold Cup, along with one assist. He missed the squad in September, made a brief appearance in October, and later started against Paraguay, followed by a substitute role against Uruguay.
advertisement
Due to injuries to Tyler Adams and Chris Richards, Aaronson was one of only two American players active in the Premier League over the weekend. Antonee Robinson from Fulham also played his part, contributing to a 2-2 draw with Liverpool, with both teams netting goals during added time.
Since returning from a knee injury, Robinson has played every minute of six consecutive matches across all competitions.
Aidan Morris, a midfielder in the second leg of the English Championship, saw action in Middlesbrough’s 4-0 triumph over Southampton, reducing the gap behind leaders Coventry City to six points.
Haji Wright made his debut in Coventry’s losing game against Birmingham City, marking the leaders’ third consecutive victory.
advertisement
Forward Patrick Agyeman played 60 minutes as Derby County suffered a 2-1 defeat against Wrexham, making it three games without a goal. Meanwhile, forward Josh Sargent was on the field for 89 minutes in Stoke City’s 2-0 loss.
Italy
Midfielder Weston McKennie scored his first Serie A goal this season, netting in the 50th minute during a 1-1 match against Lecce. He has two goals in the Champions League.
AC Milan’s top scorer, Christian Pulisic, came off the bench in the 79th minute to help secure a 1-0 win against Cagliari.
Midfielder Yunus Musa is still striving for a starting position, making an appearance in the 59th minute of Atalanta’s 1-0 win over Roma.
advertisement
France
Striker Folarin Balogun was involved in just one notable moment in Monaco’s 3-1 loss to Lyon, inadvertently assisting the opposing team as the ball deflected off him to set up a goal.
Midfielder Tanner Tessman joined the match in the 66th minute, aiding Lyon in their fourth consecutive win across all competitions.
Wing-back Tim Weah saw Olympique Marseille drop points in a 2-0 loss to Nantes, as they had two players sent off during the first half, ending their winning streak of three matches.
Center-back Mark McKenzie experienced a 3-0 home loss with Toulouse against leaders Reims, having started 15 out of 17 league fixtures.
advertisement
Others
In the Glasgow Old Firm Derby, center-back Auston Trusty played the full 90 minutes during Celtic’s 3-1 home defeat to Rangers, marking their sixth loss in eight games under former Columbus Crew manager Wilfried Nancy. His performance drew criticism, with some calling it “overworked and underskilled.”…
Midfielder Johnny Cardoso participated for the last 30 minutes in Atlético Madrid’s 1-1 tie with Real Sociedad in La Liga.
With the German and Dutch leagues currently on winter break, eight players eligible for the U.S. team are affected. Mexico’s Liga MX is set to resume this weekend, and MLS preseason training begins this month.
Fan Take: This news highlights Brenden Aaronson’s resurgence and resilience in the face of adversity, which resonates with soccer fans who appreciate a player’s comeback story. His performance not only boosts Leeds United’s prospects but also strengthens his position on the national team as they prepare for future challenges.
