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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Jack Flintham

Manchester United clash with Leeds will be a true test of the progress made under Ralf Rangnick

Manchester United fans across the world would no doubt have breathed a massive sigh of relief when Peter Bankes blew for full-time on Tuesday night.

Having seemingly been stuck in Groundhog Day following the Middlesbrough, Burnley and Southampton matches, it was good to see these United players finally bucking the trend.

A poor first half was followed by a much improved second - on another day the result could have gone against the hosts - but a clean sheet and goals were pleasing to see.

Having rediscovered their winning touch, what better way for United to try and continue their momentum than with a trip to Elland Road.

The atmosphere in Yorkshire on Sunday will be anything but pleasant for Ralf Rangnick's United.

Teams who do not share the same history as these two sides receive the polar opposite of a warm welcome in Leeds, so United should expect the worst.

There will be no room for players to be going missing at the weekend.

United's first-half display on Tuesday night lacked plenty. Brighton were controlling possession and had the better of the chances. In truth, they were unfortunate not to be leading at the break.

If United fall back into old habits, the feel-good factor that engulfed Old Trafford earlier this week will quickly feel like a distant memory.

Despite Leeds' bad form, which I will touch on shortly, you'd expect them to bring an electric tempo to Sunday's meeting.

Rangnick's men will perhaps have to weather the storm a little in the early stages but it's hard to imagine that United will find it difficult to overcome Leeds if they play at their best.

Marcelo Bielsa's team looked devoid of confidence when they were beaten by Everton on Saturday.

They appear to be sleepwalking into a relegation battle and United must take full advantage of this.

Tell us how far you think United will go in this season’s Champions League below or here.

Hypothetically, if United were to beat Leeds on Sunday they would be in the ideal frame of mind heading into their Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid - yet another team out of form.

Who knows, if United can prove that Tuesday was no fluke, we could be set for an entertaining and perhaps even successful end to the season.

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