Crooks: It is a ‘pity’ Manchester United do not have a manager like Leeds boss Marsch

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Garth Crooks has told his BBC Sport Team of the Week column that it is a “pity” Manchester United do not have a manager like Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch – with the American getting the best of out of his Elland Road players.

Leeds have made an excellent start to the 2022-23 Premier League season. They sit in sixth place after four points from the opening two matches, beating Wolves on the opening day of the campaign – unlucky not to beat Southampton.

Two goals from Rodrigo Moreno, who now has three in the first two games, put Leeds 2-0 ahead on Saturday. But, the Saints pegged Leeds back – thanks to goals from Joe Aribo and Kyle Walker-Peters. Marsch is improving Leeds.

Spain international Rodrigo, a club-record signing for Leeds, managed just 13 goals in his first two seasons. But this season, he already has three in two games. Marsch is getting the best out of Rodrigo, and other Leeds players.

The likes of Robin Koch, Jack Harrison and Illan Meslier have sparkled for the Whites. Manchester United, meanwhile, are miles below where they should be. Crooks said it is a “pity” Erik ten Hag cannot do what Marsch is doing at Leeds.

“Their opening fixtures have been very positive. Credit to Marsch, who is bringing the best out of his players, such as Rodrigo who now has three goals. A pity Manchester United don’t seem to have a manager who can do the same.”

Crooks: ‘Pity’ Manchester United do not have boss like Marsch

There is a stark contrast between how Marsch is getting the best out of the Leeds players that were at Elland Road last season – and his new signings. For ten Hag, he has overpaid players failing to prove their worth at Old Trafford.

Brentford completely ran over Manchester United on Saturday evening. The United players looked as if they did not care. There was no fight, no effort, no endeavour to try and change the result. The running stats proved it.

Ten Hag has got to find a way to reinstate that energy and vigour into United’s players. They have the talent and the quality, but the work rate is seriously lacking. Marsch, as Crooks says, is currently doing it in Yorkshire.