Home Latest News Manchester United vs Leeds United: Preview | Premier League 2022/23

Manchester United vs Leeds United: Preview | Premier League 2022/23

0
manchester-united-vs-leeds-united-preview-premier-league-2022-23

Premier League action continues in the midweek as Manchester United host Leeds United in an age-old blockbuster clash.

Man United come into the game having won their last four games in all competitions, since a narrow loss to Arsenal in the Premier League. However, they have only lost one game since mid-November and are a team not many sides want to face right now. The Red Devils are undoubtedly on the right path under Erik ten Hag and have progressed vastly under the Dutchman. They were last in action against Crystal Palace at home, which proved to be a tougher fight than they thought.

Manchester United were comfortably leading 2-0 at Old Trafford, thanks to an early penalty from Bruno Fernandes and a well-worked Marcus Rashford goal just past the hour mark. However, a scuffle broke out soon after, following a tough tackle on Brazilian winger Antony by a Palace defender. In the ensuing scuffle that saw many players of both sides involved, Man United’s midfield juggernaut Casemiro was sent off with a straight red card for violent conduct.

Things became predictably tougher after, as United defended for their lives, as Palace piled on the pressure, pulling one back. The visitors pushed hard in search of an equalizer, however, United held on to the 2-1 lead, backed by a buoyant Stretford End, and ended the game with three deserved points. That win, followed by rivals dropping points elsewhere, saw Man United climb up to third in the table, just three points behind Manchester City and eight points behind league leaders Arsenal.

Leeds United are going through a tumultuous time currently, with the club announcing the sacking of manager Jesse Marsch. The American coach was fired following a seven game winless run in the league, with their last win coming back in early November. That saw the Peacocks drop to 17th in the league, level on points with Everton in 18th and on the brink of the relegation zone. Marsch was appointed in February 2022 and lead the club to survival on the last day of the league. As the new season started, optimism was high among supporters, especially after impressive wins over Chelsea and Liverpool. However, a lack of consistency and poor performances saw the American relieved of his duties.

The Yorkshire club was last in action against Nottingham Forest in the league, as they lost 1-0 away from home to their fellow relegation candidates. It proved to be Jesse Marsch’s last game in charge and he was sacked shortly after. Coaches Michael Skubala, Paco Gallardo and Chris Armas, the latter famously known for his stint with Man United under Ralf Rangnick, will take charge of the team and are expected to lead them out on Wednesday night.

WHEN & WHERE?

Date: Wednesday, 8th February 2023.
Time: 8.00 pm BST
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester.

TEAM NEWS

Embed from Getty Images

Manchester United have had a few players return from injuries recently, but there will be a couple of notable absentees on Wednesday night. Brazilian midfielder Casemiro will miss out on the action – his first of three games banned- due to the red card received against Crystal Palace. Striker Anthony Martial’s struggles with injuries continue as he was forced to miss out last Saturday with an injury yet again and is expected to remain on the sidelines against Leeds United as well. Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek are long-term absentees, with the former’s return expected in early May. Scott McTominay has been missing from the squad since United’s win over Reading in the FA Cup, and the nature of his injury and return date are still unknown. Erik ten Hag confirmed in his press conference that winger Antony is also set to miss out with an injury.

Diogo Dalot made the bench for the first time since suffering an injury in January and it remains to see if he is chosen over Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has been in fine form recently. Marcel Sabitzer made his debut as a substitute on Saturday, and given United’s midfield issues he will be expected to make his full debut against Leeds.

Leeds United will be without striker Rodrigo who is set to be out of action for a few weeks, having picked up an injury in their FA Cup tie against Accrington Stanley. Alongside the striker, Stuart Dallas and Adam Forshaw have also been ruled out. Robin Koch will return to the squad after serving out his one game suspension and will be available for selection.

MATCH ANALYSIS

Embed from Getty Images

Manchester United and Leeds United are set to play a double header clash against each other, facing off twice in the space of four days. The Roses rivalry, as it is known, has historic roots going back to the 15th century rivalry between the counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire, and has continued on till this day. The Red Devils have more often than not had the upper hand in the tie, but the Peacocks have time and again shown that they are not one to back down without a fight.

The last two meetings between the two at Old Trafford have all ended with a big scoreline all in Man United’s favor, with the Red Devils embarrassing their Yorkshire counterparts on both occasions. The Mancunians thrashed Leeds 6-2 in their first visit to the ground since 2010, and then hit 5 goals past them in a 5-1 win on the opening day of the 21/22 season. Leeds will be eager to avoid a repeat this time around, but the odds are against them heading into the tie.

Man United have turned Old Trafford into a fortress under Erik ten Hag backed by their ever vociferous crowd. It will be a tough ask for Leeds United to get anything out of this game, especially now they head into their first game without a manager.  They have one of the worst away records in the league, winning only one out of 10 away games so far, losing seven in the process.

The hosts will have the chance to go level on points with Manchester City in second place if they can get the maximum points on Wednesday night, while Leeds United will have the chance to go upto 14th place or higher if they can score an unlikely win at Old Trafford. It is an important game for both teams and with the background of the derby to it, there are signs of a mouthwatering clash to come.

KEY PLAYERS

Marcus Rashford

Embed from Getty Images

The 25-year-old winger was on the scoresheet yet again as he finished off a lovely team move with a good finish, sliding the ball past the Palace goalkeeper. It was his 6th goal in his last 7 PL games and his 10th overall in the league. Rashford has improved manifolds after a very poor 21/22 season and Erik ten Hag has turned him into one of the most feared wingers in the league. His pace on the ball, quick feet and trickery combined with his ability to get into spaces between defenders and his terrific finishing has left defenders wondering how to stop him. He has been on a roll this season and has undoubtedly been one of the best players in the league so far. He has never scored against Leeds United before and Rashford will be eager to open his account against one of the club’s most bitter rivals.

PREDICTED LINEUPS

Man United predicted XI vs Leeds United: David de Gea; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw; Fred, Marcel Sabitzer; Jadon Sancho, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford; Wout Weghorst.

Leeds United predicted XI vs Man United: Ilan Meslier; Luke Ayling, Robin Koch, Liam Cooper, Maximilian Wober; Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie; Luis Sinisterra, Brendon Aaronsen, Wilfried Gnonto; Georginio Rutter.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here