Roy Keane described Leeds United’s defensive methods as ‘insanity’ in the 4-2 defeat to Manchester United.
It extended the Whites’ winless run to four matches and highlighted the issues in the backline more than ever.
While the Red Devils possess plenty of quality in attacking areas, all four of their goals were easily avoidable and Marcelo Bielsa will be left frustrated that basic errors are not being rectified within his squad.
Manchester United, who have scored more goals than any other team against Leeds since they returned to the Premier League, were once again able to take advantage of Bielsa’s man-to-man defensive system.
At least two of the four goals that were scored by the visitors on Sunday came from dragging Leeds players out of position and exploiting the space that was left behind.
The best example of that was Cristiano Ronaldo’s run in the build-up to the second goal, scored by Bruno Fernandes, as Diego Llorente found himself following the Portuguese striker outside of his own half.
Jamie Redknapp picked up on it and Roy Keane delivered a typically scathing assessment of the defending on show from the home side.
“From a Leeds point of view, the sign of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results,” the former Ireland international said on Sky Sports’ coverage of the match.
“They did this at [Manchester] United earlier in the season and they conceded five and they were doing the same today.
“When you’re up against real quality players. The players are trying to do that man-for-man stuff, it’s madness what they’re doing.”
Bielsa’s philosophy and belief in his man-to-man system means that methods are unlikely to change at Leeds any time soon, but it is getting to the stage where it is significantly affecting his side’s chance of staying in the Premier League.
The gap between them and the relegation zone now stands at just five points which, considering the next two games are against Liverpool and Tottenham, is hardly a comfortable distance.
Bielsa may have to swallow his pride and adapt his defensive set-up to suit the abilities of the players that he currently has available, at least until Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips are back in the squad.
