How Marcelo Bielsa's Manchester United comments backfired after Leeds United exit

27.02.2022 - 17:21 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Leeds announced that Marcelo Bielsa had left his position on Sunday, after a miserable run of form that included a 4-2 defeat at Elland Road against Manchester United.

The Whites' poor form continued and a 4-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday lunchtime has seen the end of the Argentine's tenure as manager.

Liverpool put six past Illan Meslier in midweek, prior to United running out 4-2 winners thanks to goals from Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, Fred and Anthony Elanga.

Ahead of the fierce rivalry, Bielsa issued a warning to United, but they soon backfired as Leeds suffered defeat and he departs with them sitting two points adrift of the relegation zone.

"It is a classic game is always a challenge that's very motivating," he said.

"It's not what I would like, but it's what the fans give always. They always support the team unconditionally.

"It's difficult to imagine a support better or bigger than the one we have already received.

"The presence of a classic opponent increases the enthusiasm, it's going to be precious to witness it. Of course, we think more about what we can give to the public than what we receive of them."

Leeds' quickfire double restored parity after the break in the game with United, but Ralf Rangnick's side managed to remain composed to see off the challenge of their west Yorkshire opponents.

Following their return to the English top-flight, the Reds enjoyed their outings against their rivals, scoring 15 goals, nine of them coming this season.

Jesse Marsch is amongst the favourites to take over, a man Ralf Rangnick will know well from his time as head of sport and development at Red Bull GmbH.

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