Manchester United vs Leeds LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction today
Follow all the fallout from Old Trafford
Manchester United thrashed Leeds United 5-1 at Old Trafford in the Premier League’s early kick-off to make a statement in their season-opener.
After finishing second to rivals Manchester City last season, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made no secret that his side are targeting the title this campaign, with his squad bolstered by the high-profile additions of Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane. Despite that, though, the manager had to wrestle with several absentees for his side’s curtain-raiser. Varane has not yet been registered due to small details of his contract that remain to be finalised. Sancho only came off the bench in the second half, while Edinson Cavani, Marcus Rashford and Dean Henderson were all ruled out.
But that did not stop Man United from running riot in front of a returning capacity crowd, with Bruno Fernandes netting a hat-trick as Fred and Mason Greenwood rounded out the scoring for the hosts. Paul Pogba, meanwhile, recorded four assists along the way to rival man of the match Fernandes.
Luke Ayling hit a stunning strike early in the second half to pull Leeds level – very briefly – but it was nothing more than a consolation, with Man United responding immediately with three goals to add to Fernandes’ opener. Fred soon added the final finish for Solskjaer’s side.
Relive all the action below:
GOAL! Manchester Utd 1-0 Leeds (Fernandes ‘30 ⚽ )
GOAL! The home side take the lead. A wonderfully weighted pass from Pogba is floated around the corner towards Fernandes, who had skipped in behind the Leeds back line.
Fernandes’ shot wasn’t perfect. Meslier gets contact on it, but there’s enough power on it from Fernandes to trickle into the net.
1-0.
Premier League: Manchester Utd 0-0 Leeds
30 min: A lovely cross from Bruno Fernandes is just too far away from the sliding Greenwood, who can’t get a foot to it.
Premier League: Manchester Utd 0-0 Leeds
25 min: A chance for Leeds, as Harrison wins a free kick on the periphery of the Man Utd box. Raphinha’s free kick is whipped in and Rodrigo meets it, but his header flashes wide.
A real chance for Leeds.
Premier League: Manchester Utd 0-0 Leeds
20 min: The game is being played at a frantic pace, but no one can control the ball for more than a second. It ping pongs around in the Leeds half, before Greenwood slips in Daniel James. His cross is dealt with - just about - by Bielsa’s side.
Leeds look vulnerable defensively.
Premier League: Manchester Utd 0-0 Leeds
17 min: Leeds starting to get a bit of space in midfield, they make a quick break, with Klich involved. He passes the ball to Harrison, who returns it to Klich on the edge of the area. The midfielder tries a curling effort that is well saved by De Gea.
Premier League: Manchester Utd 0-0 Leeds
12 min: Massive chance missed by the home side, and Paul Pogba. The Frenchman is put clean through in front of goal, he tries a delicate finish by doing a step over, but he doesn’t get enough bend on the ball with his left foot, and drags the shot wide of Meslier’s goal.
Huge chance.
Premier League: Manchester Utd 0-0 Leeds
11 min: Very nearly a Man Utd goal, as Raphinha’s backpass is intercepted by Greenwood, but he can’t control it correctly and the ball ricochets off his shin and seems to loop over Leeds stopper Meslier, but he makes a good save to push it out for a corner.
Premier League: Manchester Utd 0-0 Leeds
9 min: Leeds slowly starting to get on the ball and settle into the game somewhat. They win their first corner of the game, and it was nicely worked, but didn’t lead to any opportunities.
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