Manchester United vs Leeds United Match Preview: Kick-off time, Team News and Score Prediction
Manchester United face Leeds United at Old Trafford in what is the first of two back-to-back Roses Derby games in the league.
Competition: Premier League
Venue: Old Trafford
Kick Off: 20:00 UK Time
How do Manchester United Look?
United collected all three points in their game against Crystal Palace on Saturday. Erik ten Hag’s side were largely in control throughout the game and did well to maintain pressure by winning the ball back quickly after losing it. The opening goal for United would come from the penalty spot. Marcus Rashford’s attempt to cross the ball into the box was blocked by Will Hughes’ hand and after a brief check with VAR the penalty was given. Bruno Fernandes stepped up slotted the ball away to give his side the 1-0 lead early in the game. United struggled to create clear-cut chances for the rest of the half but did well to stop Palace from creating anything.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Reds’ second goal would come from a wonderful flowing move in which the team retained and recycled the ball before attacking and scoring. The move was led by substitute Alejandro Garnacho, the youngster combined with players brilliantly moving the ball across the pitch and back to play the ball to Luke Shaw who picked out none other than Marcus Rashford who tapped the ball home. United had finally gotten their two-goal lead and the game should have been comfortable to see out from there but a Casemiro red card put a spanner in the works. After a challenge on Antony there were a couple of handbags at the scene but after a closer look on VAR Casemiro was spotted with his hands on Will Hughes collar. The referee gave it another look and decided it was a red card offence. Just six minutes later Jeffrey Schlupp pulled one back, flicking Cheick Doucoure’s volley past David De Gea. United held on for the last 15 minutes of the game but the match shouldn’t have become that uncomfortable.
Casemiro’s red card means he will be out for both games against Leeds and the game against Leicester. Anthony Martial was not in the squad that faced Palace due to another injury and won’t be available against Leeds. Antony has picked up an injury and won’t be in the squad to play on Wednesday. Diogo Dalot didn’t play but made his return to the squad against The Eagles and could feature against Leeds.
Opposition: Leeds United
Embed from Getty ImagesLeeds United are going through a tough time at the minute. The Whites find themselves in 17th in the Premier League following a 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest and have just sacked manager Jesse Marsch in the wake of the defeat. Leeds under Marsch had not won a game in the league since early November and struggled defensively letting in the third most goals so far in the campaign. Chris Armas who was at Manchester United under Ralf Rangnick will be in the dugout for the game at Old Trafford with Paco Gallardo and Michael Skubala.
Despite Leeds’ poor form they still have players who can affect games. In January they made the addition of Weston McKennie on loan from Juventus, so far the American has only featured off the bench but he could be in for a start at Old Trafford. The box-to-box midfielder could be a handful for United with his tough tackling breaking up play and his progressive passing helping his side move up the pitch. McKennie will know how much a win in the derby will mean to Leeds fans and as a new player there is no better way to get yourself into supporters’ good books than by performing well in a big game.
Prediction
Manchester United have made Old Trafford a fortress this season and will expect to dominate their rivals especially given their managerial circumstances. The Reds have not lost to Leeds United since 2010 and will want to extend that run further. United should win this game but you can never count out a side like Leeds, especially in a derby. They will be up for it and the match will likely be quite an intense affair despite their current situation.
Manchester United 3-1 Leeds United
