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:
Harry Maguire to remain Manchester United captain until end of the season, says Ralf Rangnick
Ralf Rangnick has insisted that Harry Maguire will remain Manchester United captain under his management despite his struggles for form this season.
Maguire’s position has come under scrutiny since the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who appointed his £80m signing as skipper just five months into his Old Trafford career.
The return of Cristiano Ronaldo has also led to some suggestions that a change of leadership could help turn United’s results around, with the 37-year-old an influential figure in the dressing room.
Harry Maguire to remain Manchester United captain under Ralf Rangnick
Maguire’s position as captain has come under scrutiny in recent months
Leeds vs Manchester United: Premier League standings
Leeds could do with picking up some points against Manchester United today as they are hovering on the edge of the relegation battle. The Whites are five points clear of the relegation zone with a game in hand on those below them except Burnley. However, Burnley, Watford, and Newcastle all picked up points yesterday and are seemingly hitting a good run of form towards the backend of the season.
Manchester United are caught in a tight battle for fourth place. They currently have a one-point lead over West Ham and Arsenal, but the Gunners have two games in hand over Ralf Rangnick’s men. Man Utd cannot afford to slip up if they want to ensure Champions League football next season and three points are as vital to them as they are to title contenders Liverpool and Manchester City.
Leeds vs Manchester United: Recent results
Leeds haven’t won in three games with the only point they’ve picked up being from a 3-3 draw against Aston Villa at the beginning of February. Last time out they lost heavily to away Everton and will be hoping to get back to winning ways against their old rivals today.
Manchester United are unbeaten in eight games across all competitions since a 1-0 loss to Wolves on January 3rd. During that run they’ve won four and drawn four (although one of those draws resulted in a penalty shootout defeat to Middlesbrough in the FA Cup).
Last time out Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes scored second half goals to give the Red Devils a needed win over Brighton and Ralf Rangnick will hope to emulate this result today.
Leeds vs Manchester United: Injuries and absentees
Patrick Bamford, Liam Cooper, Leo Hjelde and Kalvin Phillips are all sidelined for Leeds and Stuart Dallas is a doubt after coming off injured against Everton last weekend however Junior Firpo is fit to return.
Edinson Cavani is still missing for Manchester United but Raphael Varane is back after dropping out of the Brighton game through illness and Nemanja Matic could be included.
When is Leeds vs Manchester United?
The match will kick off at 2pm GMT on Sunday 20 February.
How can I watch it?
It will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League, with coverage starting from 1pm on the Premier League channel. If you’re not a Sky customer you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
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Welcome
Good afternoon and welcome to live coverage of this afternoon’s Premier League action as Manchester United face old rivals Leeds United at Elland Road, in what is a long-awaited clash for the home supporters. Leeds have not hosted a top-flight fixture against Manchester United since 2004, with last season’s meeting being staged behind closed doors. It should be a fiery atmosphere, in a match that is crucial for both sides.
Ralf Rangnick’s visitors got back to winning ways in midweek with a 2-0 win over Brighton at Old Trafford, as Cristiano Ronaldo ended his scoring drought and Bruno Fernandes sealed the victory late on. The three points moved Manchester United fourth, and they can extend their lead over West Ham and Arsenal with another victory this afternoon. The interim manager has faced questions over Harry Maguire’s form this week, however, and has been forced to reject reports of a dressing room split at Old Trafford.
Leeds, meanwhile, are starting to feel the pressure of a relegation scrap and are without a win in three. Wins yesterday for both Burnley and Norwich, as well as recent victories from Newcastle and Everton, have seen Marcelo Bielsa’s side slip closer to the bottom three. Injuries continue to be an issue for the hosts, with Bielsa without Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford, but if there’s ever a fixture for Leeds to show a response it would be the visit of Manchester United.
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