Manchester United vs Leeds United – pre-season friendly preview, kick-off time and how to watch online
The Norwegian is no stranger to this fixture and soon reminisced about some of the two clubs’ encounters during his playing days
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Your support makes all the difference.Manchester United may still be quite a way away from competing with the top teams in Europe on the pitch, but surely, in terms of pure entertainment value, there is no contest.
Verging ever closer to the world-record signing of Harry Maguire. Paul Pogba, perhaps the most talented player ever to be vehemently rejected by the majority of a fan base, for reasons seemingly only communicable between United supporters, is potentially staying after interest from Real Madrid and PSG, while being made club captain. And a pre-season match against a dormant yet historic rival, Leeds United, on Australia’s expansive west coast in the two teams’ first meeting since 2011. Manchester United are never short of talking points.
From the semi-final of the FA Cup in 1965, when referee Dick Windle was knocked unconscious by a fan, to Jermaine Beckford’s sumptuous poach in 2010, Manchester United and Leeds will believe they have plenty to play for in a seemingly meaningless pre-season friendly with a rivalry that has occupied some of English footballs greatest periods.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that goalkeeper David de Gea, who is on the brink of signing a contract extension at the club, will play some part in game, while new signings Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James will be expected to make appearances after impressing in their debut’s against Perth Glory earlier in the week.
Victor Lindelof, a man linked with a move to Barcelona amidst a defensive rebuild, says he is only focused on preparing for the season ahead with United despite the aforementioned rumours.
“I’m very, very happy to be a Manchester United player and I’m really looking forward to this season to start and very happy here,” said Lindelof. “That’s my answer to that. I always felt like a Manchester United player but last season was a better season for me, I performed better than I did in my first, pretty.”
Lindelof had a reinvigorating season himself in the last campaign after a troublesome first two years at the Old Trafford club.
“This is my third season here, I’ve been through what it is to sign for this club and get a little criticism,’’ he said. “But it’s part of the game and, like I said before, everyone in the team is trying to help the new guys.”
Solskjaer admitted that Luke Shaw may not be risked after coming off in the last game with an injury, despite training with the squad yesterday.
The Norwegian is no stranger to this fixture and soon reminisced about some of the two clubs’ encounters during his playing days.
“I’ve got quite a few good memories, probably the 4-3 win when I scored two at Elland Road, and seeing David Beckham and Ian Harte having possibly the slowest race ever for a 50-yard long pass from Scholesy.
“There were some great games against them, they had a fantastic team in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Erik Bakke was also in that team, so there were quite a few fierce tackles in those games and hopefully it will be a good, competitive game tomorrow – I’m sure it will be.”
Leeds will today be looking to prove themselves against established Premier League opposition, a place where they believe they deserve to be, and will certainly be aiming for in the coming season. The signing of Championship proven Helder Costa from Wolves has taken them that one step closer to that lucrative augury of Premier League football.
However, many senior Leeds player have opted out of the club’s trip to Australia, including Costa, Jack Clarke and Ben White, in order to improve their fitness back home. But Leeds will still have plenty of fire power with Patrick Bamford, Kalvin Phillips, Pablo Hernandez and Keemar Roofe all making the journey. The game will perhaps give youngsters Miazek, Bogusz, Stevens, Oduor and Hosannah a chance to make an impact in the club’s biggest began before the Championship season begins in early August.
What time does it start?
Manchester United vs Leeds United starts at midday in the UK (12pm BST, 7pm in Perth).
Where is the match?
The match is taking pace in Perth on the west coast of Australia, at it is expected to be a near-sellout at the Optus Stadium.
How can I watch online?
The only place to watch the game is on MUTV, which can be watched via manutd.com provided you have a subscription. Otherwise you can follow all the action live on The Independent website.
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