Phil Hay issues early Leeds United team news v Manchester United
Phil Hay believes Adam Forshaw will return to the Leeds United playing XI against Manchester United later today (February 20).
The veteran midfielder was left on the bench in their last league game where they failed to control the tempo against Everton.
They ended up being beaten comprehensively by a 3-0 scoreline and that’s something Marcelo Bielsa would be looking to avoid against their arch rivals.
Writing on the Athletic Q&A, Hay said, “Forshaw has to come into the team after last weekend. Leeds need his box to box presence.
“It does feel like a day to take the obvious steps, do the simple things with regards to the line-up and maximise the odds. Forshaw to start, for example.”
Obvious choice
Forshaw’s importance in the midfield became glaringly obvious once he was out of the side.
That kind of composure along with the legs to run from box to box is something that no other player at Leeds can provide.
Mateusz Klich could, to an extent, but this season, even his form has spiralled.
Bielsa needs a reaction from his side and he would love one against their arch rivals.
With this game being played in front of a packed Elland Road for the first time since 2003, the noise is expected to be over the roof.
While Leeds would have loved to have had Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford available for this one, they’ve certainly got plenty of quality among their ranks to provide an upset here.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has issued a major update on the succession plan after Marcelo Bielsa’s exit