Manchester United vs Leeds United
There are some cracking pre-season friendlies involving the Premier League’s top clubs over the next few weeks and some have more spice than others.
Football Friendly: Manchester United vs Leeds United in Oslo is one of the box office draws… if you can call it a friendly. This cross Pennines rivalry is about a fierce as it comes, and neither set of fans wants to give an inch…even in pre-season. Both of these proud old clubs are at a pivotal time in their history; the Red Devils are in a period of rebuilding under the determined leadership of Erik Ten Hag, while Leeds are under new management after suffering relegation to the Championship last season.
Former Norwich City head coach Daniel Farke has taken the reigns at Elland Road as the Yorkshire giants plot their route back to the top flight and he, like Ten Hag, will try to mould his best team well in time for the new campaign.
The Manchester United vs Leeds United betting odds will back a Red Devils win, but this is a friendly so we have a better chance of an upset.
Talking Points
Manchester’s striking priority
The Old Trafford faithful are in a state of limbo at present; their club is up for sale and there is not much hope of a deal being concluded before September. And that means Ten Hag is somewhat restricted in what he can achieve in the transfer market, so he will need to be patient…and a little crafty.
The Red Devils have had some disappointing transfer windows in recent years, but this one has started with the signing of 24-year-old midfielder Mason Mount in a £55m switch from Chelsea. It’s a decent opening but United desperately need a goal scorer after struggling to find one in recent seasons. Marcus Rashford has been the most productive striker but he isn’t the most lethal in the business, while Anthony Martial has fallen short and Mason Greenwood has had too many off-field problems.
Ten Hag is likely to offload Greenwood and Martial and the latest big rumour is that the club is gearing up to sign Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta. The young Danish international is the Red Devils’ number one target and the club will hope to get the deal over the line before any competing bids come in. Hojlund would cost around £50m and that would be a significant outlay before any takeover is completed.
There is also speculation around who will be the starting goalkeeper for Manchester United next season. 2023 Golden Glove winner David de Gea is still in negotiations with the club over a new deal, his old contract expired on 30th June, and the Red Devils have been scouring the market for a replacement should the Spaniard move on. United’s top target is Inter Milan stopper Andre Onana, though he seems unlikely to be tempted unless he will be guaranteed the number one spot.
The SBOTOP team will be keeping you up to date with all the latest Premier League transfer news so watch this space.
Farke’s first game in charge of Leeds
Following their drop through the Premier League trapdoor the Whites were quick to appoint a manager with experience of Championship promotion, and Daniel Farke fits the bill. And this clash with Manchester United is the Germany-born coach’s first chance to see his new players in match action.
He will have a much changed side on show at the Ulleval Stadion in Oslo with players including Daniel James, Rasmus Kristensen and Rodrygo returning to training just two days before this match, while Will Gnonto and Illan Meslier are involved in U21 internationals. There may be players looking to move on too, with USA winger Brenden Aaronson nearing a loan move to Union Berlin and Marco Roca close to switching to Real Betis.
This is a brave new world for Leeds and their fans, and Farke could well be the man to deliver success at a very turbulent time in Yorkshire.
History
These two titans of the north have plenty of history between them and have played 113 games over the years. And the Manchester United vs Leeds United results are in the Red Devils’ favour with 50 wins to Leeds’ 26 while there have been 37 draws.
Manchester United won the last meeting, at Elland Road, with late goals from Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.
Betting Tip
This should be an entertaining bout between two sides which will both have plenty of fans travelling to Oslo. I expect there to be plenty of goalmouth action and goals at either end. This is a learning exercise for the two head coaches and some entertainment for us.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
