Kick-off: 1230, 14/08/2021
Stadium: Old Trafford
TV: BT Sport
Manchester United start their Premier League title bid by hosting old rivals Leeds at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils finished 12 points behind champions Manchester City last season and have already spent big money to strengthen their squad.
They have not started the season strongly in recent times though and face tough opposition first up, with a draw at 17/5 our first Man Utd vs Leeds prediction.
A Look At Manchester United’s Betting Odds
United showed signs of progression under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last season, finishing second in the top flight and losing in the Europa League final.
With strength in depth seemingly a concern, they moved quickly to add another attacking option after finally agreeing a deal to sign England winger Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund.
France defender Raphael Varane also arrives after 10 stellar years at Real Madrid, with Solskjaer stating: “I have to say that we’ve strengthened where we wanted to strengthen.”
The Red Devils impressed in a 4-0 friendly win over Everton, with Mason Greenwood, Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot on target.
However, United stuttered at the end of last season, winning only one of their last four league games, and have struggled at home at the start of the last two campaigns.
Crystal Palace claimed victories at Old Trafford early on in back-to-back visits, so United will have to be on their guard against Leeds, who usually begin well under Marcelo Bielsa.
A draw with both teams scoring at 4/1 stands out from the Man Utd vs Leeds odds.
A Look At Leeds United’s Betting Odds
Leeds enjoyed a fine return to the Premier League after a 16-year absence, playing some thrilling football en route to a ninth-placed finish.
They ended the campaign with four consecutive wins, scoring 12 goals, which made it 24 points from a possible 33, a run which included games against Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham.
Bielsa has addressed the troublesome left-back spot, replacing the departing Ezgjan Alioski with Junior Firpo from Barcelona, and star players Rodrigo and Raphinha will be looking to build on their debut campaigns.
Jack Harrison’s switch from Manchester City has been made permanent, while Norway Under-21 goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson arrives from Valerenga.
Midfielder Mateusz Klich told BBC Radio Leeds: “I don’t want to say we need to get to Europa and Champions League because Sheffield United showed us that the second season is very difficult.
“The main goal for everyone is to just stay in the league, but I can’t wait to see Old Trafford filled with the fans – especially our fans, because our away fans are unbelievably good.”
United and Leeds played out a thriller at this venue last season, with the hosts winning 6-2 in an end-to-end game, before the Whites responded by holding Solskjaer’s side to a goalless stalemate at Elland Road.
It is unlikely that there will be loads of goals in the season opener so a 1-1 draw at 8/1 is our final Man Utd vs Leeds prediction.
Additional stats
Last result:
Villarreal 1-1 MANCHESTER UNITED (11-10 on pens) – Edinson Cavani
LEEDS 3-1 West Brom – Rodrigo, Kalvin Phillips, Patrick Bamford
Head-to-head: Leeds 0-0 Manchester United, Manchester United 6-2 Leeds, Leeds 0-3 Manchester United, Manchester United 0-1 Leeds
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