This was no ordinary game to start the 2021-22 season at Old Trafford, packed to the rafters for a high-noon kick-off. This was the latest chapter in a footballing War of the Roses, two sides ready to duel for glory and points. This was the latest game in a rivalry that dates back to 1923, when the two sides met for the first time in competitive action.
Manchester United versus Leeds United, Lancashire versus Yorkshire, the red rose versus the white rose. All the historic symbolism is there and also known as the Pennines Derby, this is one of the most eagerly anticipated games during any season. Meeting for the 113th time in the top tier of English football, past victories lean heavily towards the Red Devils.
A great chance for regular #PL minutes — best of luck, @BranWilliams 💪#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 23, 2021
“Over the years they have always been fantastic, feisty occasions every time we met,”
in the words of legendary Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson. Those comments were published by manchestereveningnews.co.uk last year, as the iconic Scotsman fondly recalled crossing swords with Leeds United, after they returned to the Premier League for the first time in 16 years.
Red Devils make life hell for Leeds
From start to finish, Manchester United utterly dominated their opening match of the 2021-22 Premier League campaign, roared on by the dans as they demolished visiting Leeds United. Although the first half was quite a tight and tense affair, the team led by Solskjaer always appeared to be in total control, even before Bruno Fernandes found the back of the net after thirty minutes.
The second half was a joy to behold, besides what became little more than a minor setback, when Luke Ayling thundered in an equaliser for Leeds. The net effect of that goal was akin to the visitors prodding a nest of hornets, as United were provoked to respond. Within mere moments, Mason Greenwood restored the lead, then Bruno bagged his second of the game to make it 3-1 to the home side.
Man Utd 5-1 Leeds FT:
⚽️ Bruno Fernandes 🅰️ Pogba
⚽️ Luke Ayling 🅰️ Dallas
⚽️ Mason Greenwood 🅰️ Pogba
⚽️ Bruno Fernandes 🅰️ Pogba
⚽️ Bruno Fernandes 🅰️ Lindelof
⚽️ Fred 🅰️ PogbaMan Utd start the 2021/22 season in style. 😍 pic.twitter.com/5n0CMLmfEk
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) August 14, 2021
Another exquisite finish from the Portuguese star put United 4-1 ahead on the hour, as Old Trafford hailed hat-trick hero Bruno’s virtuoso display. Not to be outdone, Paul Pogba supplied his fourth assist of the game, which manutd.com highlighted as being a new club record, sending in a perfectly weighted cross for Fred to score. The 5-1 final score was completely justified, providing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his team with an ideal start to the new campaign.
Will this be seen as a war cry from United?
By beating such a historic rival 5-1 in their first game of the season, Manchester United slammed their fist on the table, proudly declaring this team is ready to mount a serious challenge for the Premier League title. Many of the leading bookmakers favour Manchester City to retain their crown, with Chelsea and Liverpool tipped as the biggest challenges, followed by the Red Devils.
However, if United can consistently produce such dominant performances as they did against Leeds, it’s hard not to imagine Solskjaer’s men being in the mix come the end of the season. This is a competitive race that could swing any number of directions, which is what makes the Premier League the most exciting football competition in the world. Thankfully, the football experts at asiabet.org have analysed all the top betting sites, helping punters make the right choices when deciding where to wager, only recommending sites backed by safety and security.
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Solskjaer has the tools to deliver a title
The vertical and fast-paced attacking was a joy to behold, which delighted the crowd of more than 70,000 fans packed inside Old Trafford. Those fans have waited patiently for the next Premier League title, although it now appears that Solskjaer has all the right ingredients. Over the coming weeks, oddsmakers may well be adjusting their thoughts about the Red Devils, who look set to set the Premier League ablaze.
