MAN UTD vs LEEDS – LIVE PRE-SEASON UPDATES
- Manchester United and Leeds meet for the first time in almost eight years
- Romelu Lukaku could make his first pre-season appearance despite transfer speculation
- Defender Luke Shaw may not be risked due to a hamstring complaint
- New signings Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James likely to feature
Manchester United XI: Romero, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Bailly, Rojo, McTominay, Pogba, Greenwood, Mata, James, Rashford.
Subs: Pereira, Dalot, Jones, Smalling, Tuanzebe, Young, Andreas Pereira, Garner, Gomes, Matic, Chong, Lingard, Martial.
Team News
11:35: Romelu Lukaku was conspicuous by his absence from Manchester United’s squad facing Leeds in Perth.
Having missed Saturday’s 2-0 win against Perth Glory, the wantaway striker was with the squad in the open section of training on the eve of the game.
But Lukaku was not in the matchday squad amid interest from Inter Milan and nor was goalkeeper David De Gea.
The goalkeeper fell ill ahead of the match, while Lukaku was ruled out with a knock picked up on Tuesday after the media left.
Juan Mata captained the side and Aaron Wan-Bissaka made his first start for United, while 17-year-old Mason Greenwood started in attack.
Leeds head coach Marcelo Bielsa only has 16 players in Australia but he named a strong-looking side at Optus Stadium.
Man Utd vs Leeds LIVE: Score, goals and latest pre-season updates (Image: HUDDERSFIELD)
Huddersfield kit
11:30: Yes, that really is Huddersfield’s new kit for the 2019/2020 campaign.
Everyone thought it was a clever PR exercise from bookmaker Paddy Power – but alas, the mayor-style sash is for real.
Sashes should be work exclusively by Beauty Pageant winners and The Simpsons’ Mayor Quimby. Fact.
Where’s De Gea?
11:25: No need for too much concern about the absence of David de Gea.
The Spanish stopper, who is expected to sign a new contract worth £350k per week, is sidelined through illness today.
“David just fell ill today. He didn’t feel right so we wait for the Inter Milan game for him. We wait for the others as well,” Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said.
Man Utd vs Leeds LIVE: Score, goals and latest pre-season updates (Image: GETTY)
Down memory lane
11:15: I assume we all remember what happened the last time these two sides met? Nope, me neither. I’ve cheated and Googled it.
It was a 2011 EFL Cup tie at Elland Road that saw Manchester United run out easy winners – 3-0.
Michael Owen grabbed a double and Ryan Giggs was also on the scoresheet.
But here’s the real treat. Below are the starting XI’s from that September evening.
Leeds XI: Lonergan, Lees, Bromby, White, O’Dea, Howson, Clayton, Snodgrass, Becchio, Keogh, McCormack.
MUFC XI: Amos, Berbatov, Carrick, Diouf, Fabio, Fryers, Giggs, Macheda, Owen, Park Ji-Sung, Valencia.
Man Utd vs Leeds LIVE: Score, goals and latest pre-season updates (Image: GETTY)
Leeds line-up
11:10: Marcelo Bielsa never disappoints. Leeds have only brought 16 players to Australia and eight of the starting XI started the play-off semi-final against Derby.
Starting XI: Casilla, Dallas, Cooper, Berardi, Douglas, Phillips, Forshaw, Harrison, Hernandez, Roofe, Bamford.
Subs: Miazek, Hosannah, Oduor, Bogusz, Stevens.
Oh joy…
11:05: Coverage is underway on MUTV – otherwise known as the most bizarre channel on television.
For the Perth Glory clash legends Denis Irwin and Bryan Robson were sent away to ride Segways through the city. Yes, they were terrified.
Oh, and we were also given an incredibly detailed lecture on the diet of an Eagle.
They’ve set the bar pretty high. I’ll let you know if there’s anything else of note.
Here it is… the #MUFC XI to take on Leeds! ������#MUTOUR ������������
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 17, 2019
Line-ups arrive…
11:00: The Manchester United side has arrived… but there’s no sign of Romelu Lukaku again. Inter-bound?
Manchester United XI: Romero, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Bailly, Rojo, McTominay, Pogba, Greenwood, Mata, James, Rashford.
Subs: Pereira, Dalot, Jones, Smalling, Tuanzebe, Young, Andreas Pereira, Garner, Gomes, Matic, Chong, Lingard, Martial.
Man Utd vs Leeds LIVE: Score, goals and latest pre-season updates (Image: GETTY)
How many?!
10:55: Now… don’t quote me on this but I’ve heard that Leeds have sold 20,000 tickets for today’s match. Yep, 20k!
I think we can all agree that’s both impressive and absolutely crazy in equal measure.
Twitter round-up
Matthew: I know it’s Pre-Season, But I can’t wait to see Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka play for us today.
Charles: I just don’t understand why Manchester United are making it so difficult for Inter Milan to buy Romelu Lukaku. Just sell him!
Norman: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says that Alexis Sanchez can easily get Man Utd 20 goals this season and that he wants to build a team around Pogba. Best of luck with that Ole!
Transfer headlines
10:45: Incredible number of stories about Manchester United’s transfer business. It would take me roughly four years to discuss them all now – so below is an easily digestible sample of the latest gossip.
- Solskjaer is eager to build his team around midfielder Pogba despite reports linking him to Real Madrid
- There has been no agreement reached with Leicester as of yet for the signing of Harry Maguire
- Inter Milan have finally agreed to meet Manchester United’s valuation of Romelu Lukaku
- Manchester United are supposedly interested in signing Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo
- Manchester United are confident David de Gea will agree a new contract at Old Trafford
Man Utd vs Leeds LIVE: Score, goals and latest pre-season updates (Image: GETTY)
Rom in or out?
10:40: So… what’s happening with Romelu Lukaku?
The Belgian international has been strongly tipped to join Antonio Conte at Inter Milan and was left out of the match day squad for the Perth Glory clash.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said Lukaku has a minor niggle – but will he be involved today? We’ll soon find out.
Man Utd vs Leeds LIVE: Score, goals and latest pre-season updates (Image: GETTY)
Last time out…
10:35: Did you join me for Saturday’s pre-season opener against Perth Glory?
If not, I hope you have a damn good excuse.
Anyway, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were clearly against inferior opposition but showed a few promising signs.
New signings Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka were bright, alert and settled in nicely. Marcus Rashford showed he’s lethal in front of goal and Axel Tuanzebe proved he’s capable of challenging for a first-team role.
Man Utd vs Leeds LIVE: Score, goals and latest pre-season updates (Image: GETTY)
Morning…
10:30: Hello everyone and welcome to our LIVE coverage of Manchester United vs Leeds.
It’s all kicking off at Express HQ today folks.
Steve Bruce appointed Newcastle manager, Kieran Trippier is joining Atletico Madrid for £20million and Huddersfield release the most disgusting kit in recorded history. Quite a morning.
But now it’s time for the semi-serious stuff as Manchester United play Championship Leeds in Perth looking to improve on Saturday’s display.
All the team news, line-ups and a nice dose of transfer gossip is on the way. Standby…
