Sam Stone

Sun 12 February 2023 14:42, UK

Alan Smith has slammed Junior Firpo after Leeds United left-back was booked for a “poor” tackle on Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho.

The 26-year-old was given a start by Michael Skubala after Pascal Struijk was ruled out of the clash against Erik ten Hag’s side with a concussion.

Smith was less than impressed with the Whites’ defender after he produced a “silly” tackle on the halfway line midway through the first half.

“Poor challenge, that’s a silly one. He leads with the studs and always stretching. He didn’t need to make that kind of challenge on the halfway line,” said Smith (Sky Sports commentary, 14:18, 12 February)

A huge couple of weeks

After this Sunday’s fixture against United, Leeds enter a crucial run of games which will determine where they will play their football come the start of the 2023/24 season. The Whites head to Merseyside to face Everton on Saturday (18 February) before they host Southampton at Elland Road.

The Saints have recently sacked Nathan Jones and could also have a new manager in place for their trip to West Yorkshire. Leeds’ own hunt for a new head coach has not entirely gone to plan thus far. Andoni Iraola, Carlos Corberan, Marcelo Gallardo and Arne Slot have all turned down the chance to move to the Premier League club.

Angus Kinnear has suggested their search is at an “advanced stage”, which could mean an appointment will be made early on into next week. Despite Skubala steadying the ship, fans will be desperate for a new boss to be in the dugout at Goodison Park.

This is promising to be one of the most closely contested relegation battles in years and Leeds must ensure they’re nowhere near the bottom three come May.

In other Leeds United news, click here to see breaking, around-the-clock updates on Leeds’ search for a new manager in our interactive live blog.

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