Mark Lawrenson predicts Leeds United v Manchester United scoreline
Mark Lawrenson is adamant there will be no repeat of the 6-2 thrashing handed to Leeds United by Manchester United at Old Trafford last year.
However, sharing his prediction for Saturday’s lunchtime clash on the BBC Sport website, he has backed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side to emerge victorious as 2-1 winners in their Premier League opener.
“I’m looking forward to seeing Jadon Sancho in action, I think everyone is except for Leeds fans,” Lawrenson said.
“This will be a lot closer than the 6-2 win that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side enjoyed at the end of last year, but I’d still expect them to take the points.
“They need to improve on their home form from last season, but they are not the only ones there are they? Having the fans back at Old Trafford should help – it is going to be interesting to see how many home teams win this weekend now they have their usual support again.”
No repeat of Decemeber scenes
Our first league trip to Old Trafford in 17 years ended in disaster last December when the home side tore us apart twice in the opening three minutes through a Scott McTominay double.
It was 4-0 by the 37th minute as Bruno Fernandes and Victor Lindelof got in on the scoring act before Liam Cooper grabbed a goal before half time.
It ended 6-2 despite the Whites dominating possession with 59% of the ball.
Marcelo Bielsa faced heavy criticism from pundits and rival supporters after the game, with some suggesting his gung-ho methods would not work in the Premier League.
However, El Loco shut his critics down in the second half of the season as the Whites showed their defensive resilience with a number of clean sheets, picking one up in the reverse fixture against Manchester United at Elland Road in April.
We wouldn’t be too unhappy to pick up another 0-0 draw this Saturday.
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