Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Leeds Live
Leeds Live
Sport
Beren Cross

Leeds United could prove Jesse Marsch right by unleashing what he said they always needed

How do the caretakers change it?

Michael Skubala hinted at nothing more than tweaks to Leeds United’s set-up, but would not specify what they might alter with so little time for them to prepare the side. How many changes in personnel will they make?

Does the formation change or the width or the way they want to attack? Skubala made a point of praising how well he felt the team had been playing without the ball in recent weeks, but there could be changes to how they use possession when they have it.

Stop the Old Trafford rot with a miraculous win?

On the two visits Leeds have had to Old Trafford since promotion, they were backed by the tactical genius of Marcelo Bielsa, but lost 11-3 on aggregate. They now return to the home of their most-hated rivals with no permanent head coach and a run of two wins in 17 league games.

READ MORE: Carlos Corberan rules out Leeds United return after signing West Brom contract extension

Is it any wonder Manchester United are odds on for the win? At the time of writing, the best price you could get for the hosts was 1/2 for the victory. United’s odds were as long as 23/4 with some bookmakers.

We all love football because of its shock factor. An away win tonight would be up there with the biggest surprises since Leeds’ return to the top flight.

Prove Marsch right?

Jesse Marsch always maintained this Leeds group was at its best when the pressure was off. The American continued to talk about stress and how that impaired performances, but the shackles have to be off tonight.

Only the most optimistic Leeds supporters will believe there is something in tonight for the Whites. There are no expectations and that may well just unleash a sparkling performance if they start shooting from the hip.

How does the threesome work on the touchline?

They will not get another chance in the dugout as a caretaker trio if Leeds get their way with a permanent successor, but it will be interesting to see how this three-hander works under the glaring lights of Old Trafford. Skubala, Paco Gallardo and Chris Armas have been given parity in the technical area and they will need to be assertive to have any impact in a match like this in front of a crowd that big.

McKennie’s full debut?

Jack Harrison had a difficult afternoon at Nottingham Forest on Sunday. Going away to a side which is expected to put you under sustained pressure may be enough temptation to stick a more natural option in the middle.

Weston McKennie looked robust enough at the City Ground and may be just the personality Leeds need in the engine room to remain solid, but with enough power to break out and get up the field when needed.

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.