Credit: Tung Manh Phan

Richie Mills

Tue 14 April 2026 12:10, UK

Leeds United have struck gold with summer signing Gabriel Gudmundsson after his superb display against Manchester United.

On Thursday, Daniel Farke said the left-back was a doubt for the United game due to a groin issue. But there were no issues to see in Leeds’ 2-1 win at Old Trafford on Monday, with Gudmundsson running here, there, and everywhere.

Gary Neville repeatedly pointed out how the Swede was causing all sorts of problems down United’s right-hand side, particularly in the first half, as Michael Carrick’s team struggled to deal with his dangerous crosses, directness, and running power.

For years, Leeds have been looking for a first-rate left-back, with winger-turned-full-back Ezgjan Alioski the last to impress in that position in the Premier League.

But the 26-year-old is on course to top Alioski already, highlighting how Leeds got something of a steal in Gudmundsson with his £10million transfer.

Gabriel Gudmundsson enhances credentials at Man Utd

Gudmundsson signed for little fanfare from Lille last July on a four-year deal, but so far, he is probably the 49ers Enterprises’ best purchase this season.

Anton Stach and Dominic Calvert-Lewin may give him a run for his money, and Noah Okafor’s double against United may put him into the conversation as well.

But week in and week out, the Sweden international never really lets Leeds down. Against United, he created one big chance, went on a stunning 45-yard solo run, before shooting wide, and was 100 per cent on long balls.

Sofascore adds that he had a match rating of 7.6, completed three successful dribbles, progressed the ball 67.5 metres, made four defensive contributions, achieving eight recoveries.

He also made one tackle, one interception, two clearances, and he won five of his eight ground duels.

Despite injury concerns about him before the game, the Swede ran himself into the ground for Leeds, who are now pulling away from the bottom three.

Gudmundsson has impressed at left-back and left wing-back for Leeds this season. He looks calm and confident in defence and attack, and seems to be getting even better.

Indeed, Lille may rue letting him go for such a modest fee.

Gudmundsson on course to join Leeds greats

Ever since Ian Harte’s wand of a left foot graced Elland Road in the 2000s, Leeds have been on the hunt for a new great left-back.

The Irishman played 288 times for the Yorkshire club and scored an impressive 39 times, many of which came from stunning free-kicks.

Before him, England international Tony Dorigo was an excellent left-back for Leeds, with the former Chelsea man proving to be instrumental in their 1992 league title triumph.

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A post shared by Gabriel Gudmundsson (@gudmundsson_)

Frank Gray and Trevor Cherry are right up there when it comes to Leeds left-backs, with both starring in the 1970s.

Terry Cooper may be Leeds’ greatest-ever left-back, with the defender playing 338 times for the Yorkshire outfit after being converted from a winger by Don Revie.

Gudmundsson isn’t on any of these players’ level yet, but if the Leeds ace continues to play as well as he did against United, the Sweden star will certainly join the conversation one day.