Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has told the Manchester Evening News that Leeds United are a “good team” and pose a “difficult” challenge ahead of Sunday’s clash between the two sides at Elland Road.
De Gea, 31, is expected to start once again for Manchester United when Ralf Rangnick takes his side to Yorkshire – the German’s first taste of the brutal rivalry between the two sides. United have come out on top so far.
Last season, United beat Leeds 6-2 and then drew 0-0 at Elland Road – while earlier this campaign, the first game of the season, United beat Leeds 5-1. Leeds desperately need a result after a woeful 3-0 loss to Everton.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s match, £375k-a-week (Spotrac) De Gea praised Leeds. He thinks Leeds are a “different team” to most and that it will be a tricky test away from home – but a win is crucial in the race for the top four.
“It’s going to be a tough game, especially away against Leeds – good team, difficult team, different team,” De Gea said. “But we have to win this game as well to be in the top four and hopefully we can go there and win.”
De Gea on Leeds: Can Bielsa get a result against Manchester United?
Leeds can produce a performance out of nowhere. Form is irrelevant when it comes to the Yorkshire side. What is more prominent, is injuries and Leeds still have lots – Liam Cooper, Patrick Bamford, Kalvin Phillips etc.
Stuart Dallas limped off against Everton. Junior Firpo is still sidelined with a hamstring issue though he could return. Leeds have been fighting with a weakened side for some time now. But United are hardly firing at 100%.
Leeds can get a result but they will need to ride their luck. They will need to play to their strengths, at their best. But United are expected to pick up a win, even at Elland Road.
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