A round-up of the latest Leeds United evening headlines on Monday, 12 September.
Case for Liam Cooper to return to the Whites starting XI
Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan believes Liam Cooper has a case to return to the starting line-up for Jesse Marsch's side. The Whites boss admitted that a centre-half pairing of Cooper and Diego Llorente were his best duo earlier this season.
However, Cooper has missed the majority of the campaign so far. “I think there is a case for Liam to come back in," Whelan told Football Insider. "For the past couple of weeks a few of the defenders have been finding it a little bit difficult. Mistakes have been made at the back.
“There is a case for the captain to come back into what is a big game for the fans and for the club.
“A decision needs to be made by Jesse Marsch. When he looks back and analysing the past two games there might be a strong case for a change of personnel.
“Cooper might come back in there. He might bring a bit more solidity because of his leadership out there on the field.”
Manchester United vs Leeds United postponed, as Premier League say they had 'no other option'
Leeds United’s clash with Manchester United on Sunday has been postponed, the Premier League has confirmed. The Whites have already seen their clash with Nottingham Forest, which was scheduled to be played this evening at Elland Road, postponed by the governing body as a mark of respect following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
And, with the state funeral set to take place next Monday, Sunday’s outing at Old Trafford has been called off, too. With such a huge operation taking place in the capital, there are nationwide policing shortages and as result Leeds’ trip across the Pennines will be rearranged for later in the season.
Chelsea's game against Liverpool has also been postponed, while Brighton & Hove Albion’s fixture against Crystal Palace, that was due to be played at 3pm on Saturday will also remain postponed.
Former Leeds United star Chris Kamara opens up on struggles with apraxia of speech disorder
Former Leeds United midfielder Chris Kamara has opened up on his struggles following his diagnosis of apraxia of speech (AOS). AOS is a speech sound disorder whereby someone has trouble saying what they want to say consistently and correctly.
Kamara first publicly confirmed his battle with the problem back in March which prompted him to call time on his time on Sky Sports. The 64-year-old has recently returned to television screens, hosting The Games and working alongside Rochelle Humes and Ben Shepherd as a presenter for Ninja Warrior UK.
In an emotional interview with Steven Bartlett on his podcast ‘ The Diary of a CEO’, Kamara claimed when he watches himself back on TV he feels like a ‘fraud’, and as if it’s ‘someone else’ talking.
In-demand Leeds United defender makes international decision after maiden call-up
Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk has confirmed that Netherlands is his ‘first choice’ country at international level. Struijk has been named in Louis van Gaal’s provisional squad for the upcoming international break for the first time ever in his career.
The 23-year-old was eligible to represent Belgium due to his place of birth, though that is no longer possible due to a reported problem with his passport. Belgium boss Roberto Martinez had previously expressed his interest in Struijk last year, but conceded that his ‘heart lies with the Netherlands.’
And now after consistent Premier League minutes for two seasons, and a positive start to the new campaign despite being played out of position, Struijk has finally been rewarded. Speaking in an interview with ESPN, he claimed that Netherlands has always been his first choice and opened up on how he first found out he made the provisional squad.
'Really excited' - Jesse Marsch proved right about Luis Sinisterra after Leeds United impact
Jesse Marsch’s has already been proven right on the quality of Luis Sinisterra after his start to life at Leeds United. Sinisterra has scored in each of his three starts for the Whites, including twice in the Premier League.
Unlike the rest of Leeds’ summer signings, Sinisterra was not able to make an impact straight away after picking up an injury in a pre-season match with Crystal Palace. That meant his full debut did not come until the end of August, in a 3-1 win over Barnsley in the Carabao Cup.
But since that night at Elland Road, Sinisterra has not looked back and looks more than an adequate replacement for Raphinha, who departed in the summer. Marsch spoke back in August about the qualities Sinisterra would bring to the side, and has so far been proven right.
Leeds United pause means Jesse Marsch can reflect on key decisions that need to be made
Jesse Marsch may have found himself reflecting on Leeds United’s Premier League season so far over the last few days. The Whites were due to take on Nottingham Forest at Elland Road this evening, but the game was postponed as a mark of respect following the death of the Queen last week.
While the United chief could be forgiven for perhaps switching off for a day or two over the weekend, he could also have spent time mulling over his side’s first six Premier League outings and assessing how his side can kick on. The Whites have picked up eight points from their opening six games, but Marsch will fancy his side’s chances of building on that before the World Cup break.
Here, Leeds Live take a look at a few decisions the head coach must make in the coming weeks.
Leeds United supporters quick to spot Whites detail in Raphinha's 'beautiful' Instagram post
Leeds United supporters were quick to notice a little detail on Raphinha’s latest Instagram post. The former Whites star posted a photo alongside his wife and dog with a Leeds United dog lead around his neck.
The Brazilian is clearly in no hurry to forget his two-year stay at Elland Road, a time where he was able to establish himself in the Brazil squad, and as one of the world’s top right-wingers. Raphinha has enjoyed an excellent start to life at Barcelona, scoring once and assisting another in his five appearances for the club.
He posted the photo onto his Instagram less than 24 hours after he started Barcelona’s 4-0 win over Cadiz in La Liga. It’s fair to say Leeds fans were quick to notice the dog lead, as they flocked to his comments to let him know.
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· When Leeds United's clash with Nottingham Forest could be played after postponement
