Premier League

Man Utd vs Leeds prediction

Manchester United kick off their 2021-22 Premier League campaign by welcoming rivals Leeds United to Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime.

The Red Devils’ only significant signing so far this summer has been the arrival of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund, whilst the experienced Tom Heaton and Paul McShane have been added to the books.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side finished runners-up in the Premier League last season and were 6-2 winners in this fixture last season. These two did play out a 0-0 draw at Elland Road in April.

Many of United’s stars were also at Euro 2020 over the summer but are expected to be ready for the season opener this weekend after a month between the international tournament and the start of the domestic season. This means we could see Sancho from the start, whilst Marcus Rashford, Edinson Cavani, Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood and Daniel James are also options in attack for the Norwegian manager.

Marcelo Bielsa guided Leeds to a respectable ninth place finish in their first season back in the Premier League last term but have been much quieter than expected in the transfer window so far this summer. Jack Harrison has been signed on a permanent basis from Manchester City after three seasons on loan at Elland Road. Defender Junior Firpo has been signed from Barcelona too.

However, the Yorkshire club have lost Ezgjan Alioski and Pablo Hernandez.

Lunchtime kickoffs and season opener’s can produce some wild results but we are confident in a home win in this one as Manchester United have great strength in attack facing a Leeds side that only play one way – attacking football. The visitors should leave lots of space open at the back for the likes of Rashford, Sancho and Bruno Fernandes to exploit.

Best bet: Manchester United to win is 1.67 with Smarkets