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Manchester United vs Leeds LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction today

Follow all the fallout from Old Trafford

Emmet Gates
Saturday 14 August 2021 13:26 EDT
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(AFP via Getty Images)

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:

Half time: Norwich 0-1 Liverpool

Liverpool’s new front three? Roberto Firmino is on the bench for the Reds, but you can’t argue with Jota’s scoring record since joining Liverpool from Wolves. He’s now reached 10 Premier League goals in just 20 appearances for the club.

(AFP via Getty Images)
Jamie Braidwood14 August 2021 18:26

Half time: Norwich 0-1 Liverpool

A solid opening 45 minutes for Jurgen Klopp’s side, who took their chance when it arrived through Jota’s first-time finish to head into the break 1-0 up. Salah went close with a volley while Matip also had a shot cleared off the line.

Norwich started brightly with Pukki going close but lost their way following Jota’s strike, although Daniel Farke’s side regained a foothold in the match towards the end of the half.

Jamie Braidwood14 August 2021 18:21

HALF TIME: Norwich 0-1 Liverpool

Jamie Braidwood14 August 2021 18:18

Norwich 0-1 Liverpool

44 mins: Aarons turns Tsimikas on the edge of the box before getting a cross into the middle. Rashica wins the header under pressure from Alexander-Arnold and Matip but it drifts harmlessly wide.

Jamie Braidwood14 August 2021 18:18

Norwich 0-1 Liverpool

42 mins: Good defending from Alexander-Arnold sees the ball deflect off Norwich left back Dimitris Giannoulis and out for a Liverpool goal kick.

The Reds have looked comfortable since taking the lead but Norwich are now having some more time on the ball as we approach the end of the half.

Jamie Braidwood14 August 2021 18:16

Norwich 0-1 Liverpool

40 mins: A long ball over the top towards Pukki is seen out by Joel Matip, who is also back in Liverpool’s back-line alongside Van Dijk.

Jamie Braidwood14 August 2021 18:13

Norwich 0-1 Liverpool

36 mins: The momentum is all with Liverpool now and the hosts are struggling to get out from their own half.

Jamie Braidwood14 August 2021 18:10

Norwich 0-1 Liverpool

33 mins: Close! Liverpool earn another corner and it breaks to Salah, who fires a volley at goal. The shot is blocked but falls to Matip, whose shot is cleared off the line.

Van Dijk volleys a loose ball into the ground and wide from the next corner.

Jamie Braidwood14 August 2021 18:06

Norwich 0-1 Liverpool

31 mins: Alexander-Arnold is looking sharp here early on. A clever pass around the corner almost plays in Jota before the right back is called into making an important clearance from a Norwich counter attack moments later.

Jamie Braidwood14 August 2021 18:05

Norwich 0-1 Liverpool

29 mins: Liverpool earn a couple of corners in quick succession as the travelling supporters crank up the noise. The ball is worked out to Mane on the left but his slipped pass to Keita rolls out for a goal kick.

Jamie Braidwood14 August 2021 18:02

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