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2022/23 English Premier League
Matchday 23
Leeds United v Manchester United
Elland Road
Leeds, England
Sunday, 12 February 2023
Kick-off is at 16h00
Manchester United will attempt to put more pressure on the
Premier League's top two when they lock horns with Leeds at Elland Road on Sunday, February 12.
The Reds Devils bounced back from a 3-2 defeat at Arsenal with a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on February 4 to close the gap on the league leaders and second-placed Manchester City.
The Gunners were beaten 1-0 by Everton earlier that same day but the Citizens failed to capitalise on their slip-up after losing 1-0 to Tottenham on February 5 to remain five points adrift of the league summit.
Erik ten Hag's side moved within three points of neighbours City in third spot while pulling two clear of Newcastle, who drew 1-1 with West Ham to hang onto fourth position.
The Whites' struggles continued as a 1-0 reverse to Nottingham Forest on February 5 extended their winless run to seven games and saw them slip to 17th place.
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Jesse Marsch's team are now tied with the Toffees on 18 points, with goal difference the only thing keeping them out of the relegation zone, which is also occupied by Bournemouth (19th) and Southampton (20th).
Crysencio Summerville has caught the eye at Elland Road this term, registering four goals and one assist in 13 league appearances, four of which saw him complete the full 90 minutes. The young Dutch winger made his return to action from an ankle injury against Forest when he came off the bench to replace Luis Sinisterra in the 57th minute.
Marcus Rashford is in the form of his life for United, having scored for the fifth home game in succession against Palace, which took his tally for the campaign to 10 goals. The 25-year-old striker has now bagged six goals in his last seven league outings, while reaching double figures for the fourth time in his career at Old Trafford.
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In team news, the hosts continue to be without the influential Stuart Dallas (thigh), while Robin Koch is suspended and Rodrigo (ankle) could be out until April. However, Archie Gray (ankle), Adam Forshaw (groin) and Sonny Perkins (ankle) are all on the verge of returning to training.
The visitors must do without Casemiro through suspension, with the Brazilian midfielder joining Christian Eriksen (foot), Anthony Martial and Donny van de Beek (knee) on the sidelines. Scott McTominay is considered doubtful for the trip to West Yorkshire.
Marsch has accepted responsibility for Leeds' poor run and stressed the importance of not throwing games away when they're in control of proceedings, as witnessed at the City ground.
"I have to find a way to get more out of the group. I have to make sure that we don't feel sorry for ourselves. We have to find a way to stay strong and keep going," the American said.
"But I take responsibility. I have to find a way to get more out of us to make sure when we're on top of games, we don't lose them. It feels like it's moving in the right direction, but it's not enough. We have to get more out of it."
Ten Hag highlighted the togetherness of the group after Casemiro was sent off for reacting to Jeffrey Schlupp's late challenge on Antony in the 70th minute, although the Dutchman warned his players not to cross the disciplinary line.
"We get also some warnings of our team reacting like this, you have to do it, you have to protect each other," Ten Hag declared.
"But we want to keep our standards and values at Man United and we want to keep them high. We can't cross lines but we have to stick together and stand up for each other."
Head-to-Head (Last Five Premier League Meetings)
Matches - 5
Leeds - 0
Man United - 3
Draws - 2
Premier League fixtures - matchday 23:
Saturday, February 11
14h30: West Ham United v Chelsea
17h00: Arsenal v Brentford
17h00: Crystal Palace v Brighton & Hove Albion
17h00: Fulham v Nottingham Forest
17h00: Leicester City v Tottenham Hotspur
17h00: Southampton v Wolverhampton Wanderers
19h30: Bournemouth v Newcastle United
Sunday, February 12
16h00: Leeds United v Manchester United
18h30: Manchester City v Aston Villa
Monday, February 13
22h00: Liverpool v Everton
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