‘If they had all their players fit’: Merson delivers Leeds v Manchester United prediction

Follow us on Google Discover

Paul Merson has backed Manchester United to beat Leeds United 3-1 at Elland Road on Sunday, as he told Sportskeeda.

The Sky pundit claimed that if Leeds had ‘all their players fit’ then he probably would have backed them against their arch enemies.

Instead, he is pushing for the struggling Champions League-chasing side to do the business in Yorkshire.

Ever since Leeds returned to the big time, Man United have put a fair bit of goals past them, but mainly at Old Trafford.

And Merson thinks Man United’s strong run against Marcelo Bielsa’s side will continue, as he also shared his thoughts on Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes.

“This is a massive game,” said Merson. “Manchester United have done well against Leeds United since their return to the Premier League and I fancy them to get a positive result once again.

“If Leeds had all their players fit, I would’ve probably fancied them, but it has to be said that the way they play suits Manchester United.

“I don’t really know why Jadon Sancho is playing as a left-winger after impressing on the right side at Borussia Dortmund, but he’s trying to get to grips with the Premier League and will be alright in the grand scheme of things. The kid can play because he’s got talent and will start to produce consistently with a confidence boost and better decision-making in the final third.

“As for Bruno Fernandes, he’s just got to get on the ball and make things happen for his team. The more touches he gets, the better Manchester United play as a team. Personally, I like it when he plays a little deeper because he can pick a pass, but I also like where he is playing under Ralf Rangnick at the moment.”

Last season, when Leeds faced off against the Red Devils, it was behind closed doors because of the pandemic.

Well, for the first time in nearly two decades, the Leeds fans will get the chance to roar their team to victory against their bitter rivals from the stands in a Premier League game.

It is quite astonishing that it has been that long, so expect the home fans to provide more than an edge to their team on Sunday.

And as Bielsa’s side proved last week, they can go from an all-action 3-3 draw at Villa Park to getting wiped out by Everton 3-0, so whatever happens, expect goals galore.