Leeds United’s Under-23 side produced a masterclass in front of almost 10,000 fans at Elland Road on Tuesday night – beating Manchester United 3-0. But Lewis Bate was spotted ‘limping’, before coming off on 58 minutes.
New 23’s gaffer Andrew Taylor was tasked with his first Premier League 2 game in charge against bitter rivals United. It comes after a 1-1 draw with Mansfield in the PL Cup, securing a place in the knockout rounds.
It was a comprehensive performance from the Whites on Tuesday night, to the delight of some brilliant support. Scottish winger Stuart McKinstry opened the scoring on 12 minutes, before Max Dean made it 2-0.
But the pick of the goals came from substitute Archie Gray, who slammed home a 35-yard effort with the goalkeeper nowhere to be seen. Gray had come on for Bate, just before the hour mark after a knock.
The £1.5million summer signing from Chelsea (GOAL), has been a regular on the Leeds bench this season – making two senior appearances. But Leeds Live report that Bate was ‘limping’ and forced off with a potential injury.
Bate blow: Leeds midfielder potentially ideal under Marsch
Jesse Marsch is renowned for requiring energy in his midfield, but also a creativity from deep – and Bate offers that. Having missed out on a place on the bench against Leicester and Aston Villa, he returned on Sunday.
While he is still a rookie, Bate really has a chance of breaking into the first team over the course of the next 12 months under Marsch. But if it is an injury suffered by Bate, it is unlikely he will break into the side this season.
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