- Manchester United take one Leeds United on Monday evening
- Paul Merson predicts a score draw
- Last fixture ended 1-1 at Elland Road
The last time Manchester United played Leeds United was not too long ago. Both clubs had to wait until 4 January to renew their rivalry with each other.
Brenden Aaronson’s goal in the 62nd minute was cancelled out by Matheus Cunha’s strike just three minutes later.
It was Ruben Amorim’s last game in charge of the Reds, before he embarked on a bewildering press conference that cost him his job. Times have changed a lot in just the space of three months.
The Red Devils no longer play in a 3-4-2-1 setup, Kobbie Mainoo is not ostracised, and Benjamin Sesko no longer lacks confidence in front of the goal.
Merson Predicts Another Draw
Ahead of Monday’s clash, Paul Merson predicted a 1-1 draw in the game at Old Trafford for Sportskeeda. Merson played for Arsenal between 1985 and 1997, making 367 appearances for the Gunners.
He wrote: “If you look at the fixtures, Manchester United should have enough to qualify for the Champions League next season. But this is still a difficult game. If Chelsea beat Manchester City and United drew with Leeds, a win for the Blues in the match against them next weekend would mean they are just two points ahead of Rosenior’s team! That’s how tight it is.”
Michael Carrick’s side has the cushion of falling back as far as fifth and still qualifying for the Champions League. Arsenal’s midweek 1-0 win against Sporting CP confirmed this, but the Reds will want to avoid complacency.
Before the start of the season, many fans would have been satisfied with a fifth-place finish, but the standards have grown much higher under Carrick. The team have lost just once since January and boasts a goal difference of +13.
Merson was a bit more pessimistic over the team’s long-term prospects. He argued: “I don’t think Manchester United are ready to fight for the title next season. They need a few more players to come in. I don’t see them being competitive over 38 games with the same team.
“Manchester United’s focus should only be on getting back in the Champions League. If they can stay in that competition, it gives them good money to build their squad. Now we’re used to seeing them play just once a week, but that isn’t where this club belongs and they need to get back up there quick. I have a feeling Leeds will get a point here.”
Early team news suggests that the West Yorkshire club will be missing several key players, such as Anton Stach, Gabriel Gudmundsson, former Red Daniel James and Joe Rodon.
Home Form Should See Red Through
Ultimately, the stats suggest Paul Merson’s 1-1 prediction significantly underestimates the momentum building through home form. Manchester United’s home record has silently shown that Old Trafford is becoming a fortress again. Currently, the Reda are averaging 2.2 points per game.
Since the tactical shift under Amorim, the Red Devils are yet to drop points at home under Carrick. Wins against Maanchester City, Fulham, Spurs, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa makes up a perfect home record under the Englishman.
Merson has overlooked the fact that United have lost twice at home all season. This was against Arsenal on the opening weekend, and later in November against Everton. A score draw does feel unlikely, especially given that the squad have been itching to play competitively since the 2-2 draw to AFC Bournemouth on 20 March.
