Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Liveupdated

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 12:00 EDT
Comments
(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:

Premier League: Chelsea 3-0 Crystal Palace

Emmet Gates14 August 2021 17:00

Premier League: Chelsea 3-0 Crystal Palace

Full time at Stamford Bridge.

A very comfortable and fairly routine 3-0 win for the reigning European champions at the Bridge.

It took the home side a while to click into place, but once they did, Palace never stood a chance.

Alonso’s free kick was exceptional, albeit there was doubts on Vicente Guaita’s positioning. The left-back had a superb game throughout, and almost had the freedom of the pitch to do as he pleased, especially in the first half.

Pulisic added a somewhat fortuitous second, but deserved on the whole, as Patrick Vieira’s side really offered precious little in attack.

Palace were toothless throughout the game, and offered little resistance to the Chelsea onslaught. New manager Vieira has his work cut out for him this season at Selhurst Park.

Emmet Gates14 August 2021 16:57

Premier League: Chelsea 3-0 Crystal Palace

90 + 2 min: Great battling between Chalobah and Zaha at the end of the game.

Emmet Gates14 August 2021 16:53

Premier League: Chelsea 3-0 Crystal Palace

88 min: A decent effort from Benteke following a long floated through ball from midfield. The striker hit the ball first time on the volley as it dropped out of the sky - never the easiest of skills - as it flashed across the face of goal, but there were no Palace players following up on it.

Emmet Gates14 August 2021 16:51

Premier League: Chelsea 3-0 Crystal Palace

86 min: Will Chelsea add a fourth goal before the end of the game?

Emmet Gates14 August 2021 16:47

Premier League: Chelsea 3-0 Crystal Palace

85 min: Chelsea bringing on Euro 2020 winner Emerson for Alonso at left-back

Emmet Gates14 August 2021 16:46

Premier League: Chelsea 3-0 Crystal Palace

82 min: Change for Chelsea

Kai Havertz coming on for Pulisic.

Emmet Gates14 August 2021 16:42

Premier League: Chelsea 3-0 Crystal Palace

81 min: Palace showing some fight in the final 10 minutes

Emmet Gates14 August 2021 16:42

Premier League: Chelsea 3-0 Crystal Palace

78 min: Another change for Palace

Jairo Riedewald coming off to be replaced by Jesuran Rak-Sakyi

Emmet Gates14 August 2021 16:38

Premier League: Chelsea 3-0 Crystal Palace

70 min: Chelsea playing with so much confidence at the minute, seeking that fourth goal, but doing so without going all out.

Emmet Gates14 August 2021 16:31

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in