13 August 2021, 21:56 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
English Premier League fixture, Manchester United vs. Leeds United kicks off at 12:30 (GMT+1) on Saturday, August 14 at the Theatre of Dreams.
Preview Manchester United Premier League, Aug 14, 2021
Preview The Red Devils aim to get their 2021/22 Premier League campaign off to a flying start when they make their very first appearance of the season on home soil. A statement of intent from the club saw Manchester United acquire the signatures of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund for €85M while goalkeeper, Tom Heaton was signed as a free agent. Incoming centre-back, Raphael Varane completed his medical earlier in the week and United are working round the clock to complete the signing for the £41M rated defender before 12 PM (BST) on Friday, August 13. Ole Gunnar Solskjær guided Manchester United to a 2nd place finish last season after picking up 81 points. This season, the baby-faced assassin would be challenging for the Premier League and UEFA Champions League titles with Red Devils. In preparation for the new season, Manchester United took part in several pre-season club friendlies, - defeating the likes of Derby County, 2-1, and Everton, 4-0. The Red Devils picked up a 2-2 draw against the newly-promoted Premier League side, Brentford, but lost to QPR, 4-2. With the recent signings and the quality of the squad, Ole anticipates maximum points for United. An attacking 4—2—3—1 formation with Edinson Cavani leading the front line is expected when the Red Devils face the Peacocks on Saturday. Marcus Rashford will be unavailable for this fixture after going under the knife for a shoulder injury.
Preview Leeds United Premier League, Aug 14, 2021
Preview Leeds United return for their second season following their promotion to play top-flight football in the 2020/21 season after a 16-year absence. The Peacocks punched well above their weight, - finishing inside the top-ten (9th place) at the end of last season. This season, they aim for a top-six finish in order to qualify for continental football of any kind. They defeated Guiseley AFC, 3-2 in a pre-season club friendly but picked up defeats against Fleetwood Town FC, 2-1, Real Betis, 3-2, and Ajax, 4-0. However, they picked up a 2-2 draw against UEFA Europa League champions, Villarreal. Recent acquisition, left-back Junior Firpo put pen to paper to complete a transfer from Barcelona in a deal worth €15M, while Ezgjan Alioski exited the club to join Al-Ahli Saudi FC on a free transfer. Determined-underdogs, Leeds United would be aiming for a surprise win over Manchester United in the Pennines derby. As frequently seen, the Peacocks could line up with the familiar 4—1—4—1 formation with prolific forward, Patrick Bamford leading the attack for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.