Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United side travel to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, to take on arch-rivals, Manchester United. Leeds have not been to Old Trafford since 2010, a date we all remember well courtesy of Jermaine Beckford’s winner.
Both teams go into the match on the back of winning displays last time out. The Whites tore apart Newcastle United on Wednesday evening - scoring five goals in the process - whereas Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were narrow 3-2 winners away at bottom of the table Sheffield United.
The Reds currently occupy sixth place in the Premier League, with seven wins from their 12 games so far. However, six of their seven victories have been away from home meaning just the one win on home turf, a 1-0 success over West Bromwich Albion. Their other five results at Old Trafford have seen three losses and two draws.
Away from home this season, Marcelo Bielsa’s side have won three times and kept three clean sheets in the process. These victories came at Sheffield United (1-0) Aston Villa (3-0) and Everton (1-0).
Bruno Fernandes is currently the top scorer for the Reds, with seven goals to his name, three of which were from the penalty spot. The midfielder - who moved to Old Trafford in January 2020 from Sporting CP in Portugal - has an overall record of 26 Premier League appearances, 15 goals and 11 assists, meaning he will be the main danger for the hosts on Sunday.
The Whites have multiple playmakers of their own for the opposition to contend with. Pablo Hernandez returned to action as a second half substitute against Newcastle following an injury lay-off.
In just eight minutes on the pitch, he registered two assists, taking his all-time Premier League tally to 13. Above Hernandez this season and leading the way with assists for Leeds is Jack Harrison and Mateusz Klich, both with four to their name.
An eagerly anticipated, hard-fought battle of the roses clash is expected for the first time in the top division, since 2004.
Manager/head coach
Manchester United: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Leeds United: Marcelo Bielsa
League position
Manchester United: 6th
Leeds United: 13th
Premier League form
Manchester United: WWWDW
Leeds United: DWLLW
Premier League top scorer
Manchester United: Bruno Fernandes (7)
Leeds United: Patrick Bamford (9)
Head to head
Manchester United: 46
Draws: 35
Leeds United: 26
Last time at Old Trafford
Sunday 3rd January, 2010
FA Cup Third Round
Manchester United 0
Leeds United 1 (Beckford 19’)
Team news
Marcelo Bielsa confirmed that there are no new injury concerns in his squad following victory over Newcastle United, whilst speaking at his pre-match press conference. The Whites do remain without the injured Robin Koch and Diego Llorente who have no specific time-frame on their return.
Edinson Cavani will be available for Manchester United following a three match injury lay-off, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer stated to the club’s website. The Red Devils boss also said his side had no new injury concerns following their midweek win at Sheffield United. Longer-term absentees who will certainly miss the game are Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones, who are expected to be fit in the new year.
Officials
Referee - Anthony Taylor
Assistant Referee 1 - Gary Beswick
Assistant Referee 2 - Adam Nunn
Fourth Official - Chris Kavanagh
Video Assistant Referee - Kevin Friend
The key battle
Bruno Fernandes vs Kalvin Phillips
The majority of the hosts’ attacking play tends to go through Bruno Fernandes. The attack-minded midfielder has been a huge success at Old Trafford since his arrival from Sporting CP in January 2020. Tasked with stopping the Portuguese from playing will be Kalvin Phillips. The Leeds born defensive midfielder knows everything about what this fixture means to supporters and his influence on the game will be key to stopping Manchester United and beginning attacks for the Whites.
Latest odds
Manchester United: 4/6
Draw: 16/5
Leeds United: 18/5
How to watch
The game will be broadcast on Sky Sports, with live commentary on LUTV.
