Manchester United under Ole Gunnar Solskjear has shown great character and strength. Whenever they have been doubted they have come back stronger. Even when their players were criticized they have come back. Though there has been some frustration it looks like they are on the right path. Right now they have a game in hand and they could go ahead of Tottenham on points.
While Leeds United started the season with great promise but there have been some inconsistencies. However, overall it looks like they are in the right place. They would be looking to build upon their 5-2 win over Newcastle. Both the clubs also have a history of being rivals and the game between the two is also known as Roses rivalry.
The Red Devils haven’t lost a game against Leeds in the Premier League since 1981. It was way back in 2004 that the two teams faced each other in the Premier League which was a 1-1 draw. However, Leeds did manage to beat the Red Devils in 2010 in the FA Cup 1-0. Though a lot of things have changed since then, Sir Alex Ferguson was at Old Trafford while Bielsa was at Chile’s national team.
Manchester United have the longest unbeaten record against Leeds at home than they have against any other team. They have played against them 12 times winning eight times and losing four times. Last season, the Red Devils lost to Watford just before Christmas, if they lose this game, it will be for the first time they have lost games before Christmas in consecutive seasons.
Analysis
Manchester United being the home team will try to bring the game to Leeds. While the Peacocks will be defensive when United have the ball, they will also look to take control of the game whenever they can. Though the Red Devils have been in terrific form in the Premier League but their home form must be an issue of concern for Ole Gunnar Solskjear.
They only have one win in the Premier League at home this season. It has been very well highlighted that Manchester United tend to start slow. The Red Devils have been giving away goals very cheaply this season. In all the games they have played this season in the Premier League, there have been only three games when they haven’t trailed the opposite team.
Out of those three games two have been goalless draws and one was a controversial 1-0 win over West Brom. Even in the Champions League they started slowly against Leipzig and paid the price. Leeds will also try to do the same. They will try to put a lot of pressure on United early in the game and try to score goals.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side will try to find the space in behind the United defense to score goals. With the visiting side putting in more pressure they will leave space behind. Solskjaer’s team will try to find that space and try to attack with runs in behind the defense. Intensity will be the key as it is always against Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds.
Team News and Injury Update
Manchester United
Edinson Cavani will go through a late fitness test and it is likely that he will be a part of the squad. Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe are also available for the game. Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones are long term absentees.
Leeds United
Marcelo Bielsa will be without three centre backs for the game as Robin Koch and Diego Llorente are injured. They are joined by another defender Gaetano Berardi who along with Adam Forshaw are long-term absentees.
Ones to watch out for
Manchester United
Marcus Rashford and Burno Fernandes will be the key players in the attack. While Scot Mctominay will be crucial in the midfield given his work-rate and energy in the midfield. Antony Martial played a very good game against Sheffield and he would hope to continue his form in the next game. He is the player to watch out for.
Leeds United
Patrick Bamford has been scoring goals this season. Jack Harrison is also capable of having a good impact on the game. Klich and Phillips will try to run the show in the midfield, these two will be key players.
Manchester United vs Leeds: Head to Head Stats
The teams have faced each other 107 times, Manchester United have won 46 times. While Leeds has won 26 times and the rest of 35 games have been draws.
Predicted Line Ups and Prediction
Manchester United: David de Gea; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw; Scott McTominay, Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes; Mason Greenwood, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford.
Leeds: Ilian Meslier; Stuart Dallas, Luke Ayling, Liam Cooper, Ezgjan Alioski; Kalvin Phillips; Raphinha, Rodrigo, Mateusz Klich, Jack Harrison; Patrick Bamford.
Final Prediction: Manchester United 2 vs Leeds 1.
