Peter Lynch

Wed 12 July 2023 17:54, UK

Leeds United kicked off their pre-season schedule with a 2-0 loss to Manchester United on Wednesday (12 July).

The Red Devils won the encounter thanks to goals from Noam Emeran and Joe Hugill, both of which came in the second half in Oslo.

Here MOT Leeds News rates the players out of ten for the victory that helped Unai Emery’s men continue their fine run of form.

Kristoffer Klaesson – 6

With Illan Meslier’s future uncertain, Klaesson proved his potential to fill in between the sticks by making some top stops, with the goalkeeper finishing the match with one save [WhoScored]. His footwork will, however, leave his manager with some worries.

Leo Hjelde – 5

The Norwegian teenager made two important interceptions to keep a constantly dangerous Manchester United attack at bay in the opening 45 minutes.

Liam Cooper – 8 (MOTM)

Was the senior figure in a very young Leeds starting XI, and it showed, with the veteran defender leading the way from the back with a commanding display. The Scot made two clearances, two interceptions and made one block, as well as completing 95% of his 40 passes.

Jeremiah Mullen – 6

Almost gave away an early goal as he lost possession to Mason Mount, but recovered well shortly after as he kept the ball very well with a 93% passing accuracy.

Cody Drameh – 7

Showed his abilities at both ends of the pitch with a good attacking and defensive display, with the youngster winning four of his seven ground duels as he was the only player to last the entire 90 minutes.

Luis Sinisterra – 6

Looked dangerous in the first half but was largely ineffective as he failed to complete any of his two dribbles.

Darko Gyabi – 4

Another largely ineffective first-half display as the Manchester United midfield dominated the ball, with Gyabi winning just one of his six ground duels.

Ian Poveda – 4

Again, a very quiet first-half who registered just 18 touches of the ball, with Poveda finding it hard to get into the game, really stinking out the place in Oslo.

Jamie Shackleton – 6

Showed great desire in midfield to break down play as Manchester United dominated possession, with the youngster winning two of his three duels.

Sam Greenwood – 5

Another who didn’t see much of the ball in the opening 45 minutes, with Greenwood forced to watch on as he made just five passes, three of which were successful.

Georginio Rutter – 6

The young striker will be keen to shake his demons in a Leeds shirt this summer, and he didn’t do his chances of first-team opportunities any harm with good pace and link-up play in the final third, but will be disappointed with just nine touches.

Substitutes

Dani van den Heuvel – 5

Luke Ayling – 5

Kris Moore – 5

Pascal Struijk – 5

Lewis Bate – 6

Archie Gray – 7

Dan James – 6

Mateo Joseph – 7

Joe Gelhardt – 6

Patrick Bamford – 6

In other Leeds United news, one Whites player has been given extra holiday time amid a Thorp Arch update.