Leeds vs Manchester United LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction today
Follow live updates as the Premier League rivals meet at Elland Road
In the red and white heat of the first top-flight Pennines derby to be played at a packed Elland Road in 19 years, victory was always likeliest for whichever one of these historic rivals kept their cool. The occasion demanded that Manchester United play on the edge and they almost came careering off it, at one point surrendering a two-goal lead in the space of 59 seconds. It briefly seemed this would be another collapse to add to Ralf Rangnick’s growing collection.
Instead, it was the first time that they have lost a lead and regained it under his management and an important lesson that no setback is insurmountable. Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes’ pair of first-half goals should have made this much-welcome win over Leeds United more comfortable than it was, but two strikes by substitutes Fred and Anthony Elanga made it comfortable all the same.
Leeds’ thrilling fightback - led by Rodrigo and Raphinha - was in vain. It seemed that Elland Road’s patrons could leave celebrating one of the most memorable wins in their recent history during the frenetic moments after that quickfire double. Anything seemed possible for a team driven by a loud and ferocious crowd. But having already taken the sting out of the occasion once, United knew they could do so again and did so again with a quiet, impressive air of composure. Follow all the reaction from Leeds 2-4 Man United:
Leeds vs Manchester United
Only Norwich City have conceded more Premier League goals than the 46 by Leeds so far this season. They have let in 26 goals in nine league games since their last clean sheet against Crystal Palace in November.
Leeds vs Manchester United
Manchester United are unbeaten in six league away games since a 4-1 loss at Watford in November. However, the Red Devils have dropped six points from winning positions in that run in matches against Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Burnley.
Leeds vs Manchester United
Leeds have lost five of their last eight league matches, as many defeats as they suffered in their opening 15 fixtures this season.
Leeds vs Manchester United: Head-to-head
Leeds’ only win in their last 16 top-flight games against Manchester United was by 1-0 at Elland Road in September 2002. They have won just four of the 27 Premier League meetings.
Manchester United are looking to complete their first league double over Leeds since the 1999-2000 campaign.
The Red Devils are aiming to keep a third successive league clean sheet at Elland Road for the first time since a run of three goalless draws between September 1980 and August 1990.
Leeds vs Manchester United
Cristiano Ronaldo’s inclusion for Manchester United means it is the longest gap for a player between games against an opponent in Premier League history with him having last faced Leeds 18 years and 125 days ago on 18 October 2003.
Leeds vs Manchester United: Team changes
Marcelo Bielsa makes just one change to the Leeds line-up that lost to Everton last time out. Adam Forshaw comes in to replace Raphinha.
Ralf Rangnick sticks with the centre-back pairing of Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire but Aaron Wan-Bissaka is back at right-back with Diogo Dalot on the bench. Paul Pogba returns in place of Fred and Jesse Lingard starts replacing Anthony Elanga.
Leeds vs Manchester United: Line-ups
Leeds XI: Meslier, Llorente, Koch, Stuijk, Ayling, Klich, Dallas, Forshaw, Rodrigo, Harrison, James
Man Utd XI: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw, McTominay, Pogba, Sancho, Fernandes, Lingard, Ronaldo
Leeds vs Manchester United
It’s a wet and windy day at Elland Road as is the case around most of the North today. The team news is expected shortly.
Leeds vs Manchester United: Bielsa on ‘classic games’ versus Man Utd
Marcelo Bielsa says playing in ‘classic games’ with lots of history behind them, like against Manchester United, adds more enthusiasm to his players and the fans. There is added motivation to get a positive results and Bielsa hopes his players can use that against their opponents today. He said:
A classic game is always a challenge that is very motivating. It’s not about what I would like but it’s what the fans give, always. They always support the team unconditionally.
“It’s difficult to imagine a support bigger than the one we’ve already received. The presence of a classic opponent increases the enthusiasm and it will be precious to be able to witness it.
“Of course, we think more about what we need to give to the public rather than what we need to receive from them. I think the players, in general, imagine the type of game they will come up against.”
Leeds vs Manchester United: Rangnick aiming for top four
Manchester United boss, Ralf Rangnick, has tried to play down expectations about the club finishing in a Champions League place even though he admits that is the goal for this season. He said:
Well, of course everyone wants to play in the Champions League every season but we also have to be realistic. ‘’When I came, I think we were 8th in the table and trailing by quite a few points. Right now, we are fourth and we have to be aware that a couple of teams have played two or three games fewer than us so far. ‘’Also we have to be fully aware that there will be big games coming up in March and April, also direct games against Tottenham, Arsenal and a few others who are also chasing for that fourth place.’’
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