Yahoo Movies Man Utd vs Leeds LIVE: Premier League result and final score as Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford earn draw
Substitute Jadon Sancho secured Manchester United a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Leeds to deny their managerless rivals a famous first league win at Old Trafford in 42 years.
The relegation-threatened Whites sacked Jesse Marsch on Monday and caretaker replacement Michael Skubala was on course to mastermind an unforgettable victory two days later.
Wilfried Gnonto fired the visitors ahead after 55 seconds and Raphael Varane turned into his own goal early in the second half as Leeds dreamt of a first league win at Old Trafford since February 1981.
But Erik ten Hag’s United are made of stern stuff and rallied impressively, with Marcus Rashford’s header followed by substitute Sancho’s first goal since September in a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Illan Meslier superbly stopped Varane scoring a winner at the end of a rip-roaring tussle that adds excitement ahead of Sunday’s return fixture at a bouncing Elland Road.
Leeds may have Marsch’s full-time successor in place for the sides’ second meeting in five days, with Rayo Vallecano’s Andoni Iraola and Feyenoord boss Arne Slot among the favourites. Follow all the reaction from Old Trafford as Man Utd take on Leeds in the Premier League:
Manchester United vs Leeds
FULL-TIME! Manchester United 2-2 Leeds United
70’ GOAL! Sancho comes off the bench to equalise (MUN 2-2 LEE)
62’ GOAL! Rashford pulls one back with header from Dalot cross (MUN 1-2 LEE)
47’ OWN GOAL! Varane diverts Summerville cross into own net (MUN 0-2 LEE)
27’ OFF THE LINE! - Wober gets back to clear Garnacho’s shot off the line for Leeds (MUN 0-1 LEE)
1’ GOAL! - Gnonto’s early strike gives Leeds the lead (MUN 0-1 LEE)
Manchester United FC 2 - 2 Leeds United FC
FT Man Utd 2-2 Leeds
22:10 , Michael Jones
Leeds United went two goals ahead against Manchester United at Old Trafford for the first time since February 9th 1974 where they recorded a 2-0 win.
They couldn’t repeat that result tonight and United fought back to earn a point.
FT Man Utd 2-2 Leeds
22:07 , Michael Jones
FT Man Utd 2-2 Leeds
22:04 , Michael Jones
It was all action in the second half as Leeds extended their lead to 2-0 before Man Utd roared into life.
Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho both found the back of the net to draw the home side level but there wasn’t enough time left in the game for the Red Devils to force a winner.
Full-time: Man Utd 2-2 Leeds
22:01 , Michael Jones
90+5 mins: Leeds hold on! Man Utd whip crosses in from both sides of the pitch but Meslier commands his box and clings onto the ball before smothering it.
Manchester United fought back from two goals down but the points are shared at Old Trafford.
Man Utd 2-2 Leeds
21:57 , Michael Jones
90+2 mins: Shot! Rashford receives the ball off Sancho and carries it along the front edge of the box. He goes past two of three defenders but can’t open up space to shoot.
Leeds prod the ball away from him but it rolls to Fred whose curling long-range effort finishes in the safe hands of Illan Meslier.
Man Utd 2-2 Leeds
21:56 , Michael Jones
90 mins: Five minutes of stoppage time to play. That’s more than enough time for one of these teams to get a winner. Will we see some late drama?
Man Utd 2-2 Leeds
21:51 , Michael Jones
87 mins: Chance! Manchester United pile the pressure on Leeds - mianly through Sancho on the left - and come close to the winning goal.
Sancho gives the ball to Luke Shaw who curls in a cross. Bruno Fernandes gets his head to the ball but he’s on the stretch and nods it wide of the back post!
Man Utd 2-2 Leeds
21:49 , Michael Jones
84 mins: Will there be another twist to this game? Erik ten Hag seems to be securing his defence with his substitutions but Leeds are pressing for another goal.
Man Utd 2-2 Leeds
21:47 , Michael Jones
81 mins: Into the last 10 minutes at Old Trafford and both teams are pushing for a winning goal. Marcel Sabitzer is booked because he has to cover for Fred who plays a blind pass and gives the ball away about 25-yards out from his own goal.
Victor Lindelof and Tyrell Malacia come on for Man Utd with Sabitzer and Diogo Dalot heading off.
Man Utd 2-2 Leeds
21:44 , Michael Jones
78 mins: Save! Man Utd take the ball free kick and play Fernandes into space on the right wing. He whips a cross into the middle and finds Raphael Varane who leaps above Luke Ayling.
Varane hits a sweet header at goal but Illan Meslier makes a short stop and pushes the ball over the top! Great save from the Leeds goalkeeper.
Man Utd 2-2 Leeds
21:42 , Michael Jones
76 mins: Junior Firpo cynically drags Marcus Rashford to the floor after the forward threatens to break in behind. It’s a good decision as Rashford would have been in on goal but Firpo earns himself a yellow card.
Man Utd 2-2 Leeds
21:40 , Michael Jones
73 mins: There’s a spring in Manchester United’s step now. They believe that they can win this game now. Tyler Adams is down after blocking a cross from Jadon Sancho. There’s nothing wrong with him and he’s just trying to give his side a breather.
Bruno Fernandes swings a corner ball into the middle of the box but it’s dealt with by the visitors.
GOAL! Man Utd 2-2 Leeds (Sancho, 70’)⚽️
21:37 , Michael Jones
70 mins: Equaliser! Welcome back Jadon Sancho. He’s been bright and lively since coming on. The winger takes the ball down the wing and slips Luke Shaw to the byline.
Shaw’s cross is blocked and bounces back to Sancho who checks to the right and whips a shot past the unsighted Illan Meslier.
Game on.
Man Utd 1-2 Leeds
21:33 , Michael Jones
68 mins: Leeds may sense a bit of a threat to their lead after that Rashford goal. The visitors seem determined to restore their two-goal cushion. Luke Ayling pushes high up the pitch and smokes a long-range effort high over the crossbar.
Man Utd 1-2 Leeds
21:31 , Michael Jones
65 mins: Now there’s a game on. Jack Harrison and Patrick Bamford have gone off for Leeds with Georginio Rutter and Brenden Aaronson coming on.
Off the post! Leeds win a free kick within shooting range after a foul from Fred. Aaronson takes it and whips the ball through the middle of the wall before rattling the left-hand post!
GOAL! Man Utd 1-2 Leeds (Rashford, 62’)⚽️
21:28 , Michael Jones
62 mins: Manchester United get one back! The work the ball up to Pellistri inside the ball but he’s forced wide before he can shoot. Diogo Dalot pushes up on the right wing and receives the ball before flicking a cross into the middle of the box.
Marcus Rashford is on hand to leap towards the ball and he wins it in the air with a glorious header to the far bottom corner. Lovely finish!
Man Utd 0-2 Leeds
21:26 , Michael Jones
60 mins: Facundo Pellistri and Jadon Sancho come on for Man Utd to replace Alejandro Garnacho and Wout Weghorst. Marcus Rashford should slot into the central striker role now.
Sancho gets involved immediately, receiving the ball from Rashford but slipping Fred into the box. Fred’s cutback reaches Wober who belts it away for Leeds.
Man Utd 0-2 Leeds
21:23 , Michael Jones
57 mins: Garnacho hasn’t had the best night for Man Utd but he’s won the home team a free kick on the right wing.
Bruno Fernandes whips the set piece into the box but Summerville gets his head to the ball first and works it over to the back of the penalty area.
Erik ten Hag is preparing a couple of changes.
Man Utd 0-2 Leeds
21:19 , Michael Jones
54 mins: Weston McKennie earns himself a yellow card after fouling Fred and stopping the midfielder from taking a quick free kick. Luke Shaw comes over and gives the American a shove in a display of frustration.
Leeds are getting under Man Utd’s skin here.
Man Utd 0-2 Leeds
21:18 , Michael Jones
51 mins: Leeds are firm favourites to go on and win this one now. Manchester United have looked a little toothless at times but they’ll need to switch it on now if they want to get back into this contest.
How long will it be before Erik ten Hag makes some changes?
GOAL! Man Utd 0-2 Leeds (Varane OG, 48’)⚽️
21:15 , Michael Jones
48 mins: Leeds score again! Alejandro Garnacho loses the ball to Robin Koch inside his own half and threads a pass into the box. Wilfried Gnonto collects the ball and slips it to Crysencio Summerville who looks to slide a pass into the six-yard area.
Raphael Varane sticks out a leg to block the pass but deflects it into the back of his own net!
Man Utd 0-1 Leeds
21:13 , Michael Jones
47 mins: There’s been no further changes on personnel but Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho have switched wings for Man Utd.
Leeds have started the second half strongly. Crysencio Summerville sees his shot from just inside the box lifted over the top and the home side defend the resultant corner.
Second half: Man Utd 0-1 Leeds
21:11 , Michael Jones
The teams are back out for the second half at Old Trafford and Leeds get the ball rolling once again. Can they hold onto and extend their lead?
HT Man Utd 0-1 Leeds
21:07 , Michael Jones
This is the first time Leeds have led at half-time in a league game at Old Trafford since August 1991.
Erik ten Hag will be thinking of which changes to make for the second half. Expect Marcus Rashford to move over to the left wing pretty early on after the restart.
HT Man Utd 0-1 Leeds
21:03 , Michael Jones
Wilfried Gnonto’s goal after 55 seconds is the second-earliest goal scored against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Premier League, after Edin Dzeko’s strike in March 2014 for Manchester City (43 seconds).
HT Man Utd 0-1 Leeds
20:59 , Michael Jones
Wilfried Gnonto’s first minute strike has given Leeds the advantage in this match at Old Trafford. Can Manchester United respond in the second half?
Half-time: Man Utd 0-1 Leeds
20:55 , Michael Jones
45+8 mins: The whistle goes for half-time. Manchester United are spared some blushes away Martinez makes contact with Summerville on the edge of his own box. The Leeds substitute goes down but the referee waves away the penalty shout.
Leeds take a slender advantage into the break.
Man Utd 0-1 Leeds
20:51 , Michael Jones
45+5 mins: A shot from range by Dalot is turned behind by Wober and gives Man Utd a corner. The ball is curled into the middle and nodded down to Fred who drills a half-volleyed effort high and wide.
Man Utd 0-1 Leeds
20:49 , Michael Jones
45+3 mins: Leeds have had a more than decent first half. They’ve got themselves in front through a fabulous Wilfried Gnonto goal and have made things really difficult for the home side.
The only downsides are the loss of Pascal Struijk and Luis Sinisterra who have both gone off due to injuries.
Man Utd 0-1 Leeds
20:47 , Michael Jones
45 mins: There’s going to be a minimum of eight added minutes before the end of the first half. There’s been a couple of injuries and a few fouls which all adds up.
Man Utd 0-1 Leeds
20:42 , Michael Jones
41 mins: Diogo Dalot is having a tricky time of things against Wilfried Gnonto. He makes another fine run to the byline and forces the defender to deflect the ball out for another Leeds corner.
Gnonto takes it himself but the Red Devils work the ball clear.
Man Utd 0-1 Leeds
20:40 , Michael Jones
38 mins: Man Utd target Garnacho on the left wing once again with a diagonal pass. The youngster takes the ball down but is tackled by Ayling who draws a foul out of the Argentine when he tries to win the ball back,
Man Utd 0-1 Leeds
20:36 , Michael Jones
35 mins: A forward pass from Varane comes over the top to Wout Weghorst. He keeps himself onside but gets bullied away from the ball by Robin Koch who marshalls it out of play for a goal kick.
Man Utd 0-1 Leeds
20:34 , Michael Jones
33 mins: Save! Rashford bombs down the right hand side of the pitch and takes the ball to the byline. He floats a cross over to Garnacho on the far side who brings it down and sees his shot blocked.
The ball rebounds out to Marcel Sabitzer who curls an effort of his own at goal and forces Illan Meslier into a leaping save to his right!
Man Utd 0-1 Leeds
20:32 , Michael Jones
30 mins: Wilfried Gnonto is penalised for a push on Alejandro Garnacho but there’s very little contact there and the Leeds forward is rightly annoyed that the free kick has gone against him.
Man Utd don’t make it count though and the ball into the Leeds box is easily cleared away.
Man Utd 0-1 Leeds
20:29 , Michael Jones
27 mins: Off the line! Incredible defending from Leeds. Alejandro Garnacho makes a run in behind and is fed the ball. He carries it into the box and gets charged at by Illan Meslier.
Garnacho takes the ball around Meslier, sits down Luke Ayling with a cutback then curls a shot at goal but Max Wober has sprinted back to his goalline and nods the ball away!
Man Utd 0-1 Leeds
20:26 , Michael Jones
24 mins: Leeds are compact in defence and are making it really difficult for Manchester United to play through the middle of the pitch.
Instead the home side are utilising the wider areas to limited success.
Man Utd 0-1 Leeds
20:22 , Michael Jones
21 mins: Ouch! That’s going to sting. Marcus Rashford is given the ball on the right wing and darts inside on his way to the box. He fires off a shot when he reaches the front edge and whacks Pascal Struijk right in the face as the defender puts a block in.
The medics are called on to make sure the Leeds defender is okay.
Man Utd 0-1 Leeds
20:20 , Michael Jones
18 mins: Chance! That should have been an equaliser! Leeds try to play out from the back but lose possession.
Bruno Fernandes is played into space on the right side and whips a lovely cross over to the opposite side of the penalty area where Alejandro Garnacho brings the ball down.
He takes a touch then smokes one on the turn but pulls his shot mere inches wide of the near post!
Man Utd 0-1 Leeds
20:16 , Michael Jones
15 mins: Here’s a response from Man Utd. Luke Shaw swings a free kick into the middle of the Leeds box where the ball pinballs around.
It drops to Marcel Sabitzer - making his first start for the home side - but he volleys his effort over the top of the goal.
Man Utd 0-1 Leeds
20:13 , Michael Jones
12 mins: Close! Leeds win the first corner of the game and it’s Gnonto who takes it. He passes a short one to Jack Harrison who curls a cross over to the far post.
Max Wober flicks the ball on to Pascal Struijk who nods one at goal and forces a sharp save out of David De Gea at the nearest post!
Man Utd 0-1 Leeds
20:12 , Michael Jones
9 mins: Leeds do make the early change. Crysencio Summerville comes on to replace Luis Sinisterra in a like-for-like change.
Jack Harrison brings the ball inside from the left wing and lifts one over to Patrick Bamford inside the Man Utd box. He’s under pressure from Raphael Varane and Luke Shaw which means he can’t bring it under control and the home side clear their lines.
Man Utd 0-1 Leeds
20:08 , Michael Jones
6 mins: Luis Sinisterra is down for Leeds. He went to ground off the ball and clutched his hamstring when calling for the medics. There was a VAR check for Gnonto’s goal but Patrick Bamford kept himself onside and helped Leeds go in front.
Sinisterra has hobbled off the pitch and Leeds look like they’ve been forced into an early change.
Man Utd 0-1 Leeds
20:05 , Michael Jones
3 mins: What a start this is from the visitors! Leeds have been struggling to score goals but Wilfried Gnonto’s taken his chance immediately.
The Whites now have something to hold onto.
GOAL! Man Utd 0-1 Leeds (Gnonto, 1’)⚽️
20:04 , Michael Jones
1 min: Leeds lead! They win the ball high up the pitch and give it to Wilfried Gnonto. He links up with Patrick Bamford for a one-two then carries it to the edge of the box before drilling a low strike past David De Gea!
Kick off: Man Utd 0-0 Leeds
20:02 , Michael Jones
Manchester United get the ball rolling at Old Trafford. They work the ball back to David De Gea in goal before looking to play out from the back.
Leeds push tentatively forward but they’re not too forceful in the press.
Man Utd vs Leeds
19:56 , Michael Jones
Leeds under-21 head coach Michael Skubala says the Whites’ tactics will be virtually the same against Manchester United as if Jesse Marsch was still in the dugout.
Skubala, along with assistant head coach Chris Armas and development coach Paco Gallardo, will lead the team at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
“We’ve got 24 hours,” said Skubala. “We’ve got one session this afternoon so some things will have to be the same.
“There may be a few little tweaks in how we want to play but fundamentally we need to make sure the players understand the game plan.”
Pre-match thoughts of Pascal Struijk
19:51 , Michael Jones
“It has been building up every time since I have been here,” said the 23-year-old Leeds defender, “Leading up to the game everyone is getting excited and we are all so motivated to play these games.
“Most of the boys have played in a derby before, but I don’t think they’ll realise how big it is until they step on to the pitch for the first time.
“We have to lift the new guys, but I’m sure they will get the motivation right.
“I was surprised it was two back-to-back games, but we have two big chances now to get a result. We have seen before we can play against the top teams, so why not this time?”
Man Utd vs Leeds
19:47 , Michael Jones
Bruno Fernandes is one short of 100 career league goals. He has scored or assisted in all five of Manchester United’s Premier League matches in 2023, scoring three times and setting up a further two.
Fernandes has also been directly involved in eight Premier League goals in four games versus Leeds, more than against any other opponent.
Leeds chairman gives update on next manager hunt after Jesse Marsch’s sacking
19:43 , Michael Jones
Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani says the club needs more time in their hunt for a new manager.
The Yorkshire club sacked Jesse Marsch on Monday and Radrizzani has since been replying to messages posted to him on Twitter by Leeds fans asking whether they were closing in on a replacement.
The Italian had hinted on Tuesday night that an announcement by Leeds was imminent, saying: “We are on it. Hopefully white smoke by tonight or (tomorrow) morning.”
Leeds chairman gives update on next manager hunt
Man Utd vs Leeds
19:39 , Michael Jones
Manchester United have kept eight top-flight clean sheets in 2022/23, equalling their final total from last season.
Will they manage to keep Leeds at bay tonight?
Man Utd vs Leeds
19:35 , Michael Jones
Leeds have netted 11 goals in their final four top-flight fixtures before the World Cup but have scored just four times in six matches since the league resumed.
Their tally of five away points this season is a joint-league low with Bournemouth.
Man Utd vs Leeds
19:31 , Michael Jones
Marcus Rashford has scored 11 goals in 13 club appearances since returning from the World Cup, more than any other player at a Premier League club.
Rashford has netted in each of Manchester United’s last five Premier League home fixtures, three short of the club record set by Wayne Rooney from December 2009 to March 2010.
Man Utd vs Leeds
19:28 , Michael Jones
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has not included in Manchester United’s squad for tonight’s game.
Wan-Bissaka is reportedly ill and Jadon Sancho, who was ill at the weekend, was not considered fit enough to start tonight - he starts on the bench.
Explained: Why Manchester United vs Leeds is not on TV tonight
19:26 , Michael Jones
Manchester United face Leeds United in a Premier League double-header this week. The two rivals will meet at Old Trafford tonight before playing for a second time at Elland Road on Sunday.
Wednesday’s fixture was rearranged following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September. A new date was eventually confirmed after both teams advanced to the fifth round of the FA Cup without requiring a fourth-round replay.
In announcing the “unique” fixture, the Premier League said: “We acknowledge the unique circumstances of the teams playing each other twice in the same week, with Leeds United v Manchester United scheduled for Sunday 12 February. This is to avoid potential fixture congestion later in the season.”
Explained: Why Manchester United vs Leeds is not on TV tonight
Man Utd vs Leeds
19:21 , Michael Jones
Leeds United are winless in seven Premier League games and have won two of their last 17 with five draws and 10 defeats.
They have failed to win each of their last nine midweek league matches, losing six of them.
Man Utd vs Leeds
19:16 , Michael Jones
Manchester United have earned an unrivalled 16 points since the Premier League resumed after the World Cup.
The Reds are on a run of 13 consecutive home victories in all competition, their longest streak since 20 straight victories from December 2010 to September 2011 under Alex Ferguson.
Marcus Rashford is carrying the burden of Manchester United’s striker struggles
19:11 , Michael Jones
It is an imperfect 10 for Erik ten Hag. Tuesday marked the six-month anniversary of his first game as Manchester United manager and he has had only seen 10 goals from his specialist strikers. One was against Omonia Nicosia, two against Sheriff Tiraspol, three against Nottingham Forest. Only four were in the Premier League.
In a different era, when Sir Alex Ferguson invariably played two up front, his fearsome foursome of centre-forwards scored 76 times in 1998/99. Playing as a lone striker, Ruud van Nistelrooy got 44 on his own in 2002/03. Even last season, Cristiano Ronaldo mustered 24.
None of this is to suggest United should be nostalgic for their traumatic campaign last year: the evidence is clear they are better without the departed Ronaldo. But he only scored three times for Ten Hag before his United career ended abruptly. Thus far, Anthony Martial has six goals, new arrival Wout Weghorst one.
Marcus Rashford is carrying the burden of Manchester United’s striker struggles
Man Utd vs Leeds team changes
19:06 , Michael Jones
Erik ten Hag makes three changes to the Manchester United team that lined-up against Crystal Palace last time out. Diogo Dalot returns at right-back in place of Aaron Wan-Bissaka whilst there is a first start for Marcel Sabitzer who joins Fred in midfield. Alejandro Garnacho also comes in for Antony.
There are just two changes to the Leeds team that lost 1-0 to Nottingham Forest in their last outing. Liam Cooper and Marc Roca drop out with Robin Koch and Weston McKennie replacing them.
Man Utd vs Leeds line-ups
19:01 , Michael Jones
Man Utd XI: De Gea, Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw, Fred, Sabitzer, Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford, Weghorst
🥁 Presenting your United XI to take on Leeds! 👊
➖ Sabi makes his first start
➖ @B_Fernandes8 takes the armband
➖ @AGarnacho7 starts on the wing#MUFC || #MUNLEE— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 8, 2023
Leeds XI: Meslier, Ayling, Koch, Wober, Struijk, Adams, McKennie, Sinisterra, Harrison, Gnonto, Bamford
📋 Your Starting XI to face Man United... pic.twitter.com/I9bA5mFvaA
— Leeds United (@LUFC) February 8, 2023
Man Utd vs Leeds
18:55 , Michael Jones
Leeds have conceded 11 goals in their two games away to the Red Devils since returning to the top flight, losing 6-2 in December 2020 and 5-1 in August 2021.
Will tonight be a more reserved affair or another goal fest?
Ten Hag on Man Utd’s impressive home form
18:50 , Michael Jones
Manchester United have now won 13 consecutive matches at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag and it’s a run the manager hopes to improve on this evening when his side take on Leeds in the Premier League.
“It was one of our aims this season, to get that back. It was a part of the process to restore Man Utd to the club we were once.” said Ten Hag when asked if the fear-factor had been brought back to Old Trafford.
“But, it’s a part of it. Home is good, but I think we have away also good results, but in away games, we can show even more personality, play more convincingly.
“So, that’s the next step we have to make to have the same team on the pitch with personality as we are at home. Obviously, I’m really happy with the process we’ve shown at home, it’s great to have that connection with Old Trafford, but also, I think we have to be aware that when we play away, we always have a lot of fans following us and we can do the same away because the pitches are the same size, it’s 11 v 11, nothing changes.
“So, in that fact, we can grow, we still have steps to make, and we are happy with that as well because it is a good challenge.”
Qatari bid for Man Utd should be ‘another wake-up call’ for Premier League
18:45 , Michael Jones
Reports of an imminent Qatari bid for Manchester United should be a “wake-up call” to the Premier League to strengthen its ownership rules, Amnesty International has warned.
The Daily Mail has reported that private investors from the Gulf state which hosted last year’s World Cup are keen to buy United, with an apparent £6bn price-tag not putting them off.
Human rights group Amnesty says any purchase would be a continuation of Qatar’s attempts to sportswash its image, citing limited reforms on improving conditions for migrant workers and no signs at all that it will decriminalise same-sex relationships.
Qatari bid for Man Utd should be ‘another wake-up call’ for Premier League
Qatari investors reportedly set to bid for Manchester United
18:40 , Michael Jones
Qatari investors are planning to make a huge bid to buy Premier League club Manchester United, the Daily Mail newspaper reported on Tuesday, citing unnamed sources.
The report described the investors as “a group of private, high-wealth individuals” from Qatar, which hosted the 2022 World Cup.
United declined to comment when contacted by Reuters.
Jim Ratcliffe’s company INEOS formally entered the bidding process to buy United last month after the club’s US owners, the Glazer family, said in November they had begun looking at options including new investment or a potential sale.
Qatari investors reportedly set to bid for Man United
Erik ten Hag on Jesse Marsch’s sacking
18:35 , Michael Jones
During his media duties in the build-up to tonight’s clash Erik ten Hag was asked what he thought about Leeds sacking manager Jesse Marsch on Monday just two days before this encounterd.
The Man Utd boss replied: “It’s always sad if a manager is a colleague and gets sacked, in general I don’t believe in it that if you sack a manager, you get better results. Most of the time, it doesn’t work.Let managers do their work, finish their work and then make a good evaluation.
“Obviously, the pressure is high with the decision makers in football clubs, and they turn. But if you see the facts, you see the stats, most of the time it doesn’t work out well.
“When Jesse was at Leeds, it was clear how they play, their way of play, system, style. Now, it’s possible they change but it’s also possible they don’t change.
“We will find out on the pitch tomorrow and then we need good anticipation on that if they change, and if not, we know what to do.
“Bad anticipation for instance against Villa, the difference for them when [Unai] Emery came in is they had a week to prepare and now they [Leeds] don’t have so much time to prepare. We will see but we need god anticipation and to be proactive.”
Man Utd vs Leeds
18:30 , Michael Jones
Leeds’ only win in their last 17 Premier League games against Manchester United was 1-0 at Elland Road in September 2002, when Harry Kewell scored the winner.
The Yorkshire club are winless in 17 top-flight matches at Old Trafford since a 1-0 victory there on 28 February 1981, when Brian Flynn scored the only goal.
They’ve drawn six and lost 11 matches during that run.
Leeds chairman gives update on next manager hunt after Jesse Marsch’s sacking
18:25 , Michael Jones
Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani says the club needs more time in their hunt for a new manager.
The Yorkshire club sacked Jesse Marsch on Monday and Radrizzani has since been replying to messages posted to him on Twitter by Leeds fans asking whether they were closing in on a replacement.
The Italian had hinted on Tuesday night that an announcement by Leeds was imminent, saying: “We are on it. Hopefully white smoke by tonight or (tomorrow) morning.”
But when quizzed by fans again at lunchtime on Wednesday, Radrizzani replied: “Not yet… need more time. Let’s support the lads now. Keep you posted – Andrea Radrizzani.”
Leeds chairman gives update on next manager hunt
What football would look like without Financial Fair Play
18:20 , Michael Jones
In the frantic exchanges between Premier League executives after Monday, there has been a general consensus that Manchester City should be severely punished if alleged breaches are proven - but that still doesn’t mean there is consensus on the actual rules they are claimed to have broken.
The very concept of Financial Fair Play remains a fracture point in the game. Many still believe it is wholly unfair. Some at City have always argued this, and a dominant narrative in the debate has been that the idea should be abolished because it is entirely designed to preserve the old order and prevent new forces or “new money” rising.
“They’re pulling up the drawbridge” is a successfully persuasive line of argument. That isn’t actually the case, and was never the intention, especially since the concept was first conceived when City had Rolando Bianchi up front.
The wonder is whether those who argue this have ever actually considered the opposition, and what would happen if FFP was abolished and “the drawbridge” was dropped.
What football would look like without Financial Fair Play
Man Utd vs Leeds prediction
18:15 , Michael Jones
Manchester United have won their last 13 matches at home and take on a Leeds side in poor form. Casemiro’s absence will be a big miss but Erik ten Hag’s men should have enough quality to overcome Leeds tonight.
Manchester United 2-0 Leeds.
Why is Manchester United vs Leeds not on TV?
18:10 , Michael Jones
The match was not scheduled to be on TV before it was postponed and therefore is unable to be shown now, even though it has been rescheduled.
Manchester United vs Leeds United was originally meant to be played on Saturday 17 September at 3pm but was then moved to Sunday 18 September due to the Old Trafford club’s involvement in the Europa League.
The match was then postponed following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. All fixtures scheduled on the weekend of 10-11 September were postponed, with a further three also called off the following weekend due to policing issues - including Manchester United vs Leeds United. It is a category one fixture for the police, so it required additional policing that was unavailable due to the Queen’s funeral taking place that weekend.
A new date of Wednesday 8 February was eventually confirmed after both Manchester United and Leeds United advanced to the fifth round of the FA Cup without requiring a replay. However, as the match was not selected by either Sky Sports or BT Sport on its initial date, it is unable to be shown on Wednesday.
Man Utd vs Leeds predicted line-ups
18:05 , Michael Jones
Man Utd XI: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw, Fred, Sabitzer, Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford, Weghorst
Leeds XI: Meslier, Ayling, Cooper, Wober, Struijk, Adams, Roca, Sinisterra, Harrison, Gnonto, Bamford
What is the early team news?
18:00 , Michael Jones
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro is suspended for three matches following a red card against Crystal Palace on Saturday. Marcel Sabitzer made his United debut against the Eagles and could earn a first start in Casemiros’s absence.
Erik ten Hag ruled Antony, Scott McTominay and Anthony Martial out of the clash, but Diogo Dalot featured in the matchday squad at the weekend and could be in line for a start. Donny van de Beek and Christian Eriksen remain long-term absentees.
As for Leeds, forward Rodrigo has been sidelined for six to eight weeks after an ankle injury he sustained last month.
Stuart Dallas is recovering from an ongoing thigh injury, but Robin Koch should be available to return after serving a one-match suspension during the 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
When is Man Utd vs Leeds?
17:55 , Michael Jones
Manchester United face Leeds on Wednesday 8 February, with kick off at 8pm GMT.
The fixture won’t be shown live on TV in the UK, but you can follow The Independent’s live blog coverage for all the build-up and match action from 6pm.
Man Utd vs Leeds
17:40 , Michael Jones
Good evening and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Premier League action as Manchester United host Leeds in a rearranged fixture.
Wednesday’s fixture was rearranged following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September. A new date was eventually confirmed after both teams advanced to the fifth round of the FA Cup without requiring a fourth-round replay.
This will be the first match Leeds play since sacking head coach Jesse Marsch on Monday and they’ll hope that a change in direction can help them move further away from the relegation zone. The Whites are just above the bottom three - via goal difference - but a win at Old Trafford tonight would shoot them a couple of places up the table.
Manchester United meanwhile will want to improve on their impressive home record. The Red Devils have won their last 13 home games under Erik ten Hag - across all competitions - and could draw level with Manchester City in second place if they collect all three points this evening.
Due to the fixture being moved from a previous 3pm kick off none of the UK broadcasters are showing the match but we’ll have all the updates, build-up and action on our live blog so stick with us.
