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:
Premier League: Manchester Utd vs Leeds
Head to head record:
The home side have a very good record against Leeds over the last three decades.
In all competitions, the Yorkshire side have only emerged victorious on five occasions. With the last coming in the FA Cup in January 2010.
Leeds’ last win in the Premier League in this fixture came in September 2002, thanks to a header from Harry Kewell.
Premier League: Manchester Utd vs Leeds
Man Utd team news now in:
De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Shaw, Lindelof, Maguire; Fred, McTominay; Pogba, Fernandes, James; Greenwood.
Leeds starting XI is in:
Meslier; Dallas, Cooper, Struijk, Ayling; Koch, Klich; Harrison, Rodrigo, Raphinha; Bamford.
Premier League: Manchester Utd vs Leeds
After a 17 year absence, Leeds returned to the Premier League last season.
The two games between these two sides couldn’t have contrasted more.
The first game ended in a 6-2 win for Man United at Old Trafford.
The second ended in a goalless draw at Elland Road.
Premier League: Manchester Utd vs Leeds
Transfers;
Manchester United have strengthened significantly during this summer transfer window, with Jadon Sancho returning to England from Borussia Dortmund in a £75m move.
Rafael Varane has traded in Madrid for Manchester, as the French World Cup winner is closing in on a £35m move.
Leeds, meanwhile, have been somewhat quiet in comparison. Marcelo Bielsa and co. have brought in Junior Firpo from Barcelona for around £13m, in addition to winger Jack Harrison joining from Man City for £11m.
Premier League: Manchester Utd vs Leeds
Need something to read before kick off?
Here’s our Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney asking the question if the Premier League is as competitive as it sells itself to be.
New Premier League season marks a return to football as it is meant to be
From the return of supporters to hopes of a competitive environment, 2021-22 will bring new storylines, successes and excitement to the English game
Premier League: Manchester Utd vs Leeds
And here we are, the first Saturday of a brand new Premier League season!
It feels as if Euro 2020 only ended a few weeks ago, and now we are back into the full swing of club football once again.
And what an opening game on this Saturday. A War of the Roses clash at Old Trafford.
Team news will be in shortly.
Manchester United host Leeds
Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage as Manchester United host Leeds in today’s early Premier League kick-off.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are aiming to mount a serious title charge after finishing second to rivals Manchester City last season. The signings of Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane have been a real statement of intent, however, the latter will not be available to make his debut due to minor details that are yet to be finalised in his contract.
United will also have to contend with the absences of Marcus Rashford, Edinson Cavani and Dean Henderson against a Leeds side who will be full of confidence after finishing last season in ninth place, closing out with four victories in succession.
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