Paul Merson: This is why I worry for Man United against Leeds
Paul Merson has said he’s worried that Man United’s habit of starting slowly against sides in the Premier League this season could hurt them against Leeds United.
He said that if United do that against Leeds then they could get overrun at Old Trafford.
Merson also said that he thinks the game will resemble a basketball game, with both sides going for goals.
Talking on Soccer Saturday (Sky Sports, 1.30pm) Merson was asked what he thought about talk that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was planning a change at centre-back.
“I wouldn’t change anything at the moment,” said Merson.
“Bamford’s not electric, he’s not going to run away from you, he hasn’t got the pace of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Vardy or someone like that. He’s over five yards, a burst.
“My worry is how they start football matches this Man United team. If they start like they normally do against Leeds who play with so much energy… That would be my worry in the midfield.
“But I can’t wait for this game. I love watching Leeds play and Man United will get goals. It will be open, end to end, it will be like a basketball game.”
Slow starters against fittest of the fit
Man United have a perfect away record with six wins from six games, but they’ve gone behind in every game only to come on strong in the second half.
Their home record is terrible, with just one win against West Brom.
One thing is certain. Man United won’t have played against anyone like Leeds yet this season, and Bielsa’s men will be even more fired up than normal because of their opponents.
We can see an explosive start to the game with Leeds pouring forward in search of an early goal.
That could easily leave us exposed at the back and United have the pace to exploit any weaknesses.
Contrary to reports that Chelsea had outrun Leeds in their 3-1 win, Sky Sports have said that Leeds have actually out-run all their opponents this season.
Sheffield United came the closest at just 0.2km, while Chelsea fell short by almost 2km.
These figures should give Man United something to think about ahead of the huge game on Sunday afternoon.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay: Leeds ‘committed’ to signing in-form attacker in 2021 in eight-figure deal