Dermot Gallagher's honest verdict on two controversial Leeds United vs Manchester United incidents

Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher believes Leeds United’s Gabriel Gudmundsson ran the risk of a red card for his challenge on Andrey Santos.

Gudmundsson was shown a yellow card 17 minutes into the first-half of Leeds’ 1-1 draw at home to Manchester United on Sunday. The Swedish international was attempting to get tight on Santos when he accidentally stood on the midfielder’s Achilles.

Match of the Day pundit Shay Given insisted Gudmundsson was fortunate to see a yellow card brandished and not a red. Former referee Gallagher has suggested the risk of a sending off was there but a lack of intensity in the challenge just about saved the Leeds man.

“It’s not a nice tackle,” Gallagher told Sky Sports’ Ref Watch. “I think the fact that he’s so close, he hasn't got the speed and intensity, because he’s up there on his Achilles. I think if you make that challenge you run the risk of a red card all the time.”

There was clearly no intent in Gudmundsson’s challenge, with the left-back attempting to pen Santos in by his own corner flag. Former striker Jay Bothroyd explained why he thought a yellow card was the appropriate punishment.

“I don’t think he’s intentionally trying to do that,” he said. “I think he is trying to change direction, he’s too slow to put his foot down and he’s put his foot on the back of his Achilles. But I wouldn’t call that a tackle. If they give him a red card, I’d say that's unfortunate."

Manchester United went ahead through Bryan Mbeumo shortly after that incident but after a frustrating first-half, Leeds pulled one back through Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The Whites were causing problems from set-pieces and wanted a penalty after one corner.

Ethan Ampadu and Manchester United defender Harry Maguire tangled as a cross came in, with the Leeds captain going to ground before pleading with referee Darren England. A VAR quick VAR review quashed any penalty claims and Gallagher had his say.

“I think they all get tangled up together,” the former referee explained. “The number five for Leeds [Muharemovic] also grabs hold of Maguire and brings him back to bring his colleague down. All in all I think it’s just play on.”

Those two challenges were among several that referee England decided to take a lenient approach on. Ampadu himself was fortunate not to be booked early after two late tackles on Carlos Baleba and Bryan Mbeumo - both of which were awarded as free-kicks.

“In games like this, what you want to do is get through the first 15/20 minutes as best as you can,” Gallagher said of the leniency. “Your worst nightmare is a technical yellow card, a stupid yellow card which puts you under pressure. You want to avoid that if you can.”