Manchester United vs Leeds United prediction, odds and betting tips

talkSPORT
 
Manchester United vs Leeds United prediction, odds and betting tips

Manchester United and Leeds United will renew hostilities on Wednesday, as Erik ten Hag’s team seek to close the gap to Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Manchester United vs Leeds United odds

Here are the latest match odds for Manchester United vs Leeds United from bet365.

  • Manchester United: 1/2
  • Draw: 7/1
  • Leeds United: 5/1

Best bookies to bet on Manchester United vs Leeds United

Manchester United vs Leeds United predictions

It was a good weekend for Manchester United, who survived a late scare to see off Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.

Goals from Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford put United in a commanding position in front of their own fans, but a red card for Casemiro set up a nervy finish.

Jeff Schlupp pulled a goal back for Palace, who rallied in the closing stages, but Ten Hag’s side stood strong to pick up their 13th consecutive home victory in all competitions.

With Arsenal and Manchester City both coming unstuck, United gained ground on the two teams ahead of them – as well as pulling clear of fourth-placed Newcastle United, who could only draw 1-1 with West Ham United.

And with this rearranged fixture the only Premier League game taking place this midweek, the Red Devils could be just five points adrift of top spot by the time Arsenal next take to the field.

A title tilt still seems unlikely, but United are in fantastic form and the prevailing mood at Old Trafford is one of optimism.

The same cannot be said for Leeds United, who are now outside the relegation zone on goal difference alone.

Jesse Marsch was sacked after a loss to Nottingham Forest on Sunday extended Leeds’ winless streak to seven games.

Manchester United vs Leeds United betting tips

Manchester United should prove too strong for Leeds, whose slide down the standings has renewed relegation fears at Elland Road.

Manchester United over 2.5 goals – 6/4 (bet365)

Changing your manager does not always have the desired effect, as Southampton supporters can attest.

But although Nathan Jones is struggling to get the Saints going, Sean Dyche and Julen Lopetegui have both made positive early impressions at Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Leeds board have also decided to twist rather than stick, with Marsch relieved of his duties on Monday.

Marsch always had an uneasy relationship with the Leeds fans, many of whom did not want to see Marcelo Bielsa sacked last season.

Ultimately, though, results cost the American his job. Leeds have been too easy to play against, particularly at opposition stadiums. They have won just once on the road all season and are conceding an average of two goals per away game.

Manchester United’s forwards will be licking their lips. In their last 10 home matches, the Red Devils have scored three or more goals on six occasions.

Leeds’ confidence is low and if the visitors fall behind early on Wednesday, they could be in for a very long evening.

Over 4.5 cards – 5/6 (bet365)

Manchester United’s biggest rivals are Liverpool, followed by Manchester City. But make no mistake: there is no love lost between the Red Devils and Leeds.

The enmity between this pair is longstanding and the lack of games between the two clubs over the last couple of decades has not dulled the intensity of the rivalry.

Since Leeds were relegated to the second tier in 2004, they have only faced Manchester United on six occasions.

They sprung a surprise in an FA Cup tie at Old Trafford in 2010, as a Jermaine Beckford goal brought them a 1-0 victory.

But since Leeds returned to the Premier League two and a half years ago, they have taken just one point from a possible 12 against their rivals from across the Pennines.

They have also conceded a total of 15 goals, which is one more reason to consider our first selection.

Another market worth checking out involves cards. This promises to be a feisty encounter, with Leeds fighting for their lives and Manchester United determined to match them for effort and intensity.

With a raucous atmosphere expected under the lights at Old Trafford, referee Simon Hooper could have his hands full.

Marcus Rashford to score anytime – 21/20 (bet365)

This is fast becoming a regular betting tip, but it is hard to ignore Rashford’s remarkable form since World Cup 2022.

The England international did not get as many minutes as he would have liked in Qatar, and he seems to be taking his frustrations out on opposition defences.

Since the domestic campaign resumed in December, Rashford has found the back of the net 11 times in 13 appearances in all competitions.

He has drawn a blank in just three of those games and has been especially prolific on home turf this term, scoring 14 times at Old Trafford already.

Rashford is in the form of his life and Leeds will struggle to contain him, especially given their general defensive issues.

Leeds have conceded two or more goals in seven of their last 11 outings in the Premier League.

They also shipped two goals in both of their recent FA Cup matches against Championship outfit Cardiff City, which does not bode well for facing an in-form Rashford.

The 25-year-old is not United’s only threat but he is unquestionably their main man in attack these days.

How to watch Manchester United vs Leeds United

  • Location: Old Trafford, Manchester, England.
  • Date and time: Wednesday 8 February 2023, 8pm.
  • How to watch: Not being shown in the UK.

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

  • Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
  • Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
  • Never chase their losses
  • Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.