The match kicked off with no notable changes to the starting line up apart from Marcus Rashford getting the nod to start up front. The first half played out to be generally flat with Man United looking slightly the better team. The best chance of the first half came on the stroke of half time in the form of a Marcus Rashford free kick which was just tipped over the bar by Leeds keeper Meslier. The first half ended with no goals from either side at nil all.
The only change to the second half line up was in formation with Mason Greenwood moving into the centre forward position and Marcus Rashford moving out to the left wing. We saw the first Man United substitution in the seventy fifth minute when Paul Pogba came on to replace Dan James. We then saw Edinson Cavani replacing Marcus Rashford in the eighty sixth minute followed by Donny Van De Beek replacing Fred in the eighty ninth. The match finished with neither team scoring with Man United only gaining a point on the day.
Disappointing not to walk away with all three points. I would give my man of the match to Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Man Utd face Leeds on Sunday, a whole week after they defeated a stubborn Burley side 3-1. Man Utd crushed Leeds earlier in the season 6-2 and the scoreline for this game could be just as flattering for the Red Devils.
Leeds are not a bad team, at times their style of play that could leave them open and Man Utd are in decent goal scoring form lately. Man Utd have scored eight goals in their last three Premier League matches.
Leeds are having a successful season back in the Premier League. They currently sit 10th in the table and could rise to 9th if they were to get a result or a better result than Arsenal, they are level on points with 46, Arsenal has an eight goal advantage on Leeds.
Leeds have not been defeated in the last five games, they defeated two relegation zone teams, draws against Chelsea and Liverpool and a huge victory against Manchester City.
The win against City is an example of Leeds not relying so heavily on an ambitious regardless of who the competition is attack, they sat back and caught City on the counter. A red card for Liam Cooper exacerbated the counter-attacking style.
Even before he got sent off Leeds were not attacking as much as they normally do. The only two shots of the game for Leeds were goals for Stuart Dallas, the utility man is second in scoring this season for Leeds with 7 goals.
Patrick Bamford has returned to the Premier League well this season, his 14 goals leads the squad this season, Bamford also has 7 assists. A solid season for someone who has been criticized in the past and was considered a Premier League flop.
Leeds have scored and given up the same amount goals this season, 50 and they are 10th, kind of weird. Luke Ayling, Jack Harrison, Kalvin Phillips, Illan Meslier and Raphinha have all been solid for Leeds this season as well.
Marcus Rashford has not featured in training this week but could feature against Leeds according to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Eric Bailly has returned to training after being out with COVID-19 from international duty, he might be on the bench, it is unclear what his fitness levels are like at the moment.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer spoke glowing about Leeds and their form and how it will be a tough game for Man Utd. Solskjaer compared this Leeds side to the ones that he played against while playing for Man Utd.
“I have played in some massive games against Leeds, I feel the same now with the Leeds team coming up this year, they are going challenge us. We have to be ready for this game physically and mentally,” said Solskjaer.
Man Utd is getting fit at the right time and are in great form in the league. Man Utd have not lost in the last 12 Premier League matches, if they catch Leeds early like they did last time out, the Red Devils will no have problems scoring goals or creating opportunities against Leeds.
Leeds have shown they can be stubborn and play better defense lately which could negate a Man Utd side that are willing to attack more lately.
This match can be looked at as a potential match-of-the-week candidate and hopefully it lives up to the hype. Could Man Utd go out there and destroy Leeds like last time? Absolutely.
