"Dirty Leeds" - Important to start new season on a high & question marks over James Garner claims
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Editor, Dale O’Donnell (@ODonnellDale)
Firstly, I’m buzzing to see Old Trafford in full capacity tomorrow. Football without fans is weird and we really need our home form to improve this season.
Leeds finished ninth last season and under Marcelo Bielsa, who has lasted longer at Elland Road than anyone expected, they play nerve-racking football which makes for good viewing as a neutral.
I suspect we will have too much for them, though. We need three points to put us on the right path because we’ve not started previous campaigns strong enough.
However, I think United are one signing off being a side you’d confidently predict to challenge City for the title (unless they hide more financial documents and sign Harry Kane) but we’re definitely in a better position than what we were 12-months ago.
That’s a steady rise under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who must feel this year he can deliver the first trophy at Old Trafford in four years.
I’m optimistic but not naive. Enjoy the rest of what this week’s Stretty Newsletter has to offer. It’s completely ad-free and without doubt the best way to help support what we are doing at Stretty News.
Jurgen Klopp rattled before a ball is kicked
Full take here.
Press conference pre-Leeds
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer addressed the media on Friday afternoon before his side’s Premier League opener against Leeds United.
Raphael Varane delay put down to quarantine and isolation.
Jadon Sancho will make his debut against Leeds.
Excitement around seeing Old Trafford full again.
“Happy” to have Anthony Martial.
Puts constant speculation around Pogba down to the Frenchman being a media magnet, but bypasses the fact he hires the most obnoxious agent in the game.
Strettycast Episode 117 - “Dirty Leeds”
On the latest podcast, I speak to Strettycast co-host and former Manchester United academy player Daniel Nardiello about the upcoming season. He reveals how the Manchester United lads in the dressing room hated Leeds United, most notably Gary Neville who would call them “dirty Leeds”. Nardiello also opens up on the impact of big arrivals during his time at the club, including Rio Ferdinand and Juan Sebastian Veron.
Available on Apple Podcasts, Acast and Spotify - subscribe to the Strettycast and never hesitate when it comes to feedback. It’s the United podcast for you, the fans.
Questionable reports
I’m sure you have seen the links to Ander Herrera that were cited in the Guardian this week. Apparently PSG need to shift some players after signing Lionel Messi (to make room more ridiculous wage packages), which I’d believe to be true, but United have no interest in re-signing Herrera.
As much as I liked Herrera as a player, I would be disappointed if he rocked up to *rejuvenate* United’s midfield this summer. We’ve got Nemanja Matic who is past it so we need a younger alternative, someone capable of passing the ball forward… plus a bit more to his game.
A current player also made the headlines for supposedly rejecting a contract but we believe this is nonsense.
It was “news” to a senior source at the club.