Manchester United Credit: Imago
Leeds United will host Manchester United in a big Premier League clash at Elland Road on Sunday, and the build-up has been dominated by the Old Trafford side’s implosion.
Manchester United have made their worst league start in 40 years, and the fallout from their Tuesday defeat to Atletico Madrid is still being felt.
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Leeds are now the firm favourites to beat Manchester United on Sunday and further complicate their season. However, their internal implosion threatens to unravel their season.
Lisandro Martinez has dominated the headlines since his post-match outburst on Tuesday night, and the Manchester United star seems unwilling to back down.
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Former Leeds man caught in the eye of the Manchester United storm
The defender took aim at former Leeds man Jason Wilcox, Manchester United’s director of football, over the club’s summer recruitment and insisted he didn’t do enough to improve the squad.
Martinez admitted on Wednesday that his post-match comments came from anger and frustration. However, he stands by his comments and insisted that they reflected what he truly feels at the moment.
“After the match, I spoke out of anger and frustration at not getting the result we all wanted”, he wrote on Instagram on Wednesday.
“Those who know me know how I live football, with passion, commitment and a huge desire to win. And when things don’t go our way, it hurts, especially when representing a club with the history and stature of Manchester United.
“My words reflect how I feel and how much I want to see this club competing for the biggest honours.”
However, the Manchester United defender conceded that the players need to take ownership of their individual performances and need to step up to stop the rot.
“I know that, first and foremost, it’s us, the players, who have to deliver, and I put myself at the front of that responsibility,” he said.
“We need to demand even more of ourselves and work together to take Manchester United back to the top.”
“I believe in my teammates, our manager and everyone working to help this club move forward,” Martinez added.
“I’m convinced that the way forward is to keep working together, with ambition and commitment.”
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Leeds cannot squander this opportunity
The Whites have a chance to make Sunday’s clash count for more than just three points. Manchester United’s problems extend beyond their inconsistent results, with questions surrounding the club’s direction and growing scrutiny of Michael Carrick adding to the noise around Old Trafford.
Daniel Farke must ensure his players exploit that uncertainty rather than get distracted by it. On the pitch, Leeds need to press aggressively, move the ball quickly and test a Manchester United defence that has looked vulnerable. Off it, the growing tension among their rivals could become a distraction if the game turns against them.
Elland Road should lift Leeds, and the players must use that energy wisely. Manchester United’s troubles create an opportunity, but only a disciplined, committed performance will turn them into a result. Leeds cannot afford to let it slip.