By Pranav Shahaney

24th Aug, 2022 | 9:11am

Phil Hay makes behind-the-scenes Leeds United claim in comparison to Manchester United

Phil Hay claims that Leeds United players were allowed more leeway on their pre-season tour in Australia this summer than their Manchester United counterparts.

Both arch rivals went Down Under to prepare for the current campaign, but Jesse Marsch did not impose the sort of curfew that his opposite number Erik ten Hag did.

The American trusted his players enough so that they do not disrespect their liberties and show up to training with the same attitude every day.

Hay wrote in the Athletic, “Leeds were one of several clubs who spent part of their pre-season in Australia. Manchester United were another.

“Manchester United’s players and staff were asked to stick to strict curfews in the evening but Marsch’s attitude was to tell his team that the line between fun and disrepute was blindingly obvious and he preferred to trust them to stay on the right side of it.”

Good move

Marsch has developed personal connections with the players which is always an important thing.

Marcelo Bielsa always seemed to maintain distance from them and that’s something that has worked for him in his career.

However, under the American, this seems like a more cohesive bunch and players like Rodrigo are certainly benefiting from it.

Pre-season appears to have been a success as the Whites have started the season strongly and had it not been for some needless errors v Wolves, would’ve won each of their first three games.

It was always going to be a difficult season without Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips, but thus far, they seem to have started it well and should be able to navigate their first obstacle – securing 40 points.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites could make a final push for an international striker after he was left out of his side’s matchday squad over the weekend.