The opposition view: What to expect from Leeds United in their Premier League clash with Manchester United

Manchester United travel to Elland Road to face Leeds United in the Premier League on Sunday with the Red Devils running out 5-1 winners when the pair met on the opening day of this season at Old Trafford.

The game, which kicks off at 2pm, will see United fans attend the stadium for the first time since 2003 for a top-flight match.

We spoke to Yorkshire Evening Post’s Leeds United reporter Lee Sobot ahead of the clash, and he shared his thoughts on the fixture.

What should Manchester United expect from Leeds on Sunday given they are without a win in their last three league games?

Lee: “Marcelo Bielsa’s plan B is always to make plan A better so expect his side to try and pull off what they have done best - high press, attacking football and attacking from the off. Leeds will, though, clearly need to be a different proposition at the back and not leave such big gaps in midfield.”

Dan James faces United for the first time since his move to the Whites in summer, do you feel he’ll be able to cause the Red Devils problems?

Lee: “James was superb in the 3-3 draw at [Aston] Villa but couldn’t get a sniff at Everton, aside from one chance when he turned inside and fired wide. It’s hard to know what to expect but his pace is not in doubt and on a going day that can cause anyone problems. The end product is the question mark but it was definitely there at Villa.”

If available, how important will Stuart Dallas and Junior Firpo to Leeds for this fixture?

Lee: “It’s very important that at least one of them are fit as Leo Hjelde is looking at least three weeks out with a knee injury picked up in the closing stages at Villa. Leeds and Bielsa would be hugely boosted if both are back as that would mean Firpo could play left back, freeing up Dallas as an option in centre midfield where Leeds have been struggling.

Raphina has been arguably Leeds best player this season, which other player/s should United fans be wary of?

Lee: “Jack Harrison really excelled in last month’s win at West Ham which looked set to be the launchpad but it hasn’t really proved that way for Leeds or the Whites winger. Record signing Rodrigo looks in decent nick at present and was unlucky to see two brilliant shots from outside the box smash off the crossbar at Goodison Park but Leeds were outplayed and Everton could and should have won by more.

“Rodrigo will likely start at no 10 behind James upfront but there are huge calls for Bielsa to provide more minutes to exciting teen forward Joe Gelhardt who was an unused sub at Everton, Tyler Roberts instead preferred from the bench and going upfront for the second half as James moved to the right wing.

“Leeds are badly missing Patrick Bamford but Gelhardt might be the answer from within if given the chance. He is explosive and a serious talent.

United were 5-1 winners against Leeds in their Premier League opener in August, how important is a win for the latter this time round?

Lee: “Very. Leeds face Manchester United at home followed by Liverpool away and then Spurs at home in the space of the week. The Whites still have a bit of breathing space ahead of the division’s bottom three and are clearly capable of being much better than a side sitting in 15th and whilst injuries have been no help, the table does not lie.

“Three points would be just as important in terms of the season as a whole as it would be to getting one over on their arch rivals.”

The match will be the 28th meeting between the two sides in the Premier League with the Red Devils winning 15 of them, while Leeds have four victories and honours have been even eight times.