Manchester United vs Leeds United

Manchester United thrashed Leeds United 5-1 in the opening game of the Premier League season on Saturday at Old Trafford.

Bruno Fernandes scored a hat-trick, Mason Greenwood and Fred added one each, and Paul Pogba provided four assists as the hosts put on a show in front of a packed crowd.

Fernandes opened the scoring in the 30th minute with a low shot from inside the box after Pogba’s clever pass. Leeds equalized in the 48th minute with a stunning strike from Luke Ayling, who unleashed a 25-yard rocket into the top corner.

But Manchester United responded immediately and restored their lead four minutes later when Greenwood latched onto Pogba’s through ball and fired past Illan Meslier. Fernandes then made it 3-1 with a powerful volley from close range after Victor Lindelof’s header.

The Portuguese midfielder completed his hat-trick in the 60th minute with a cool finish from Pogba’s fourth assist of the game. Fred rounded off the scoring in the 68th minute with a low drive from inside the box after another Pogba pass.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praised his team’s performance and hailed Fernandes and Pogba as “special players”. He also gave a debut to new signing Jadon Sancho, who came off the bench in the 75th minute.

Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa admitted his side were outplayed and said they struggled to cope with Manchester United’s pace and movement. He also defended his decision to start Rodrigo ahead of Patrick Bamford, who scored 17 goals last season.

The result gave Manchester United a perfect start to their campaign and sent them to the top of the table on goal difference. Leeds, meanwhile, suffered their heaviest defeat since returning to the Premier League last season.

NAME: Manchester United vs Leeds United
DATE: 12 Jul 2023
TIME: 15:00 UTC
VENUE: Old Trafford, Manchester, England