Leeds United vs Manchester United Match Preview: Kick-off time, Team News, TV Channel and Score Prediction
Manchester United travel to Elland Road to face Leeds United in the second of their two consecutive matches.
Competition: Premier League
Venue: Old Trafford
Kick Off: 20:00 UK Time
TV Channel: Sky Sports
How do Manchester United Look?
At Old Trafford Leeds gave Erik ten Hag’s side a shock with their energy and pressing. Despite their manager Jesse Marsch being sacked a few days prior Leeds looked hungry to win from the beginning of the match and took the lead early on. In the first minute, Pascal Struijk pounced on Bruno Fernandes and the ball fell to Wilfried Gnonto, who combined well with Bamford to drive inside and shoot past David De Gea at his near post. United grew into the first half with a few good chances falling to Alejandro Garnacho but the youngster couldn’t put them away.
Leeds came out in the second half the same way they did in the first and managed to catch United out again. This time three minutes into the half after The Reds failed to clear their lines Gnonto picked up the ball on the left and slipped in Crysencio Summerville on the underlap. Summerville pulled the ball back across the box but his cutback deflected off Raphael Varane and went past De Gea at the near post. United performed a lot better once substitutions were made. In the 60th minute, Facundo Pellistri was introduced on the right wing and Jadon Sancho on the left with Marcus Rashford moving to striker. Two minutes later United would pull one back. Marcel Sabitzer spread the ball wide to Pellistri who did well to hold off Junior Firpo and find Dalot, the full-back’s cross was met by Marcus Rashford who headed home. In the 70th minute United levelled to score. Jadon Sancho and Luke Shaw combined well down the left hand side, working the full-back into a dangerous crossing position, his pull back was blocked and fell to Jadon Sancho who shot past Illian Meslier. Both sides had chances to score towards the end of the game but neither side could find the winner and the points were shared at Old Trafford.
In recent press conferences, Erik ten Hag said that he doesn’t expect Scott McTominay, Anthony Martial or Antony to be fit for the game against Leeds on Saturday. Casemiro also won’t be available due to suspension.
Opposition: Leeds
Embed from Getty Images
Heading into the game at Old Trafford Leeds were an unknown quantity having just fired their manager Jesse Marsch. They were successful in pressing United in the early stages and were good at winning the ball in midfield with their American duo of Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie. At home it is likely they adopt a similar strategy especially considering how well it worked away from home. This time they will have the backing of Elland Road and will want to take all three points in front of their supporters.
Leeds proved to be a stern test for United on Wednesday and one player who shone was Wilfried Gnonto. The 19 year old is already one of Leeds’ most reliable players and has quickly become a fan favourite at Elland Road. Gnonto’s pace and strength combined with his dribbling make him a difficult player to knock off the ball and the Italian is composed in front of goal too, netting three times in his last five games in all competitions.
Prediction
Leeds caught United by surprise with their approach at Old Trafford but Ten Hag should be able to adjust his gameplan for the reverse fixture at Elland Road. United’s lack of options in midfield could make the game difficult for them in what will be a hostile environment away from home. Leeds have shown that they are up for the derby and will be coming for all three points so United will have to be at their best to win this game.
Leeds United 1-2 Manchester United
Founder, Editor, Writer.
