NafisaLeeds United may have left Dublin with plenty of positives from their latest pre-season outing, but one of their defenders was left with a rather less flattering assessment after Manchester United legend John O’Shea singled him out for criticism.
The Whites produced another useful workout ahead of their return to Premier League action, taking on Manchester United in front of a packed crowd in Dublin on Wednesday evening.
There was plenty to like about Daniel Farke’s side, particularly after they recovered from an early setback and showed the character to get themselves back into the contest.
Manchester United eventually claimed victory on penalties after the match finished 1-1 following 90 minutes.
But while the result itself was ultimately secondary, one particular moment during the opening half immediately caught O’Shea’s attention.
And the former United star was not impressed with what he saw from Leeds.
Manchester United legend delivers brutal Leeds verdict
Manchester United made the stronger start and deservedly took the lead when Joshua Zirkzee finished off a move involving Bryan Mbeumo.
Mbeumo caused the Leeds defence problems with his movement from the right before finding Zirkzee with a crisp pass, allowing the striker to put United ahead.
However, from O’Shea’s perspective, the goal was not simply about Manchester United producing a good attacking move.
He felt Leeds defender Jaka Bijol made a costly mistake by committing himself too early.
Speaking on ITV, O’Shea did not hold back in his assessment.
“Look, it’s a great play from Mbuemo, but the Leeds centre-back Bijol will be really disappointed there.
“We know what Mbuemo is all about, and we love to see him take on players, but that’s really poor from Bijol.
That was a particularly harsh assessment considering the match was only a pre-season friendly, but O’Shea clearly believed Bijol should have handled the situation far better.
Mbeumo was given the opportunity to run directly at the Leeds defence after Bijol went to ground too early, leaving the Manchester United attacker with the space he needed to exploit the situation.
For a defender who is expected to be one of Farke’s key options this season, it was a moment worth examining.
O’Shea actually delivers major praise for Leeds:
Despite his criticism of Bijol, however, O’Shea’s overall assessment of Leeds was considerably more positive.
In fact, the former Manchester United defender believes Farke’s side could once again prove to be an awkward opponent for Premier League clubs.
“I was actually impressed with Leeds after that. You see the threat they cause with the set-pieces; they are a big physical team.
“They’ll cause teams problems again this season; you can see what they are about. They’ll be a threat against this season, Leeds.”
That is arguably the more important part of O’Shea’s assessment.
Rather than dismissing Leeds as a newly promoted side simply trying to survive, he believes they have enough qualities to cause problems throughout the Premier League campaign.
And that assessment was reflected by what happened after Manchester United’s opener.
Leeds responded before the interval, with Brenden Aaronson finding the equaliser and ensuring Farke’s side went into the break level.
The second half remained competitive, with both teams creating opportunities and both goalkeepers producing important saves.
Neither side could find the decisive goal, meaning the match went to penalties.
Manchester United eventually held their nerve to claim the victory, but Leeds can still take plenty from the performance.
Jaka Bijol now faces increased pressure:
For Bijol, though, the criticism serves as a reminder that his position at Elland Road cannot simply be taken for granted.
The Slovenian defender needed time to settle after joining Leeds, but he eventually became an important part of Farke’s plans.
His physicality, defensive presence and ability to compete against Premier League forwards made him a valuable option for the Whites.
However, Leeds have strengthened their defensive department this summer.
Tarik Muharemovic has arrived from Sassuolo and is expected to provide serious competition, while further defensive recruitment could take place if Sebastiaan Bornauw eventually leaves the club.
That means there is little room for complacency.
Bijol is likely to remain one of Farke’s preferred centre-backs, but performances like the one O’Shea highlighted against Manchester United will need to be eliminated when the competitive matches begin.
The Premier League is far less forgiving than pre-season.
One mistimed challenge against a player of Mbeumo’s quality can completely change a match.
And with Leeds aiming to establish themselves even more firmly in the division this season, Farke will need every member of his defence operating at their highest level.
The encouraging part for Leeds is that O’Shea’s overall verdict was hardly negative.
He saw enough from Farke’s team to believe they will “cause teams problems again this season.”
That may ultimately prove far more significant than one harsh verdict on Bijol.
After all, pre-season mistakes can be corrected.
The real test begins when the points start counting.
Nafisa
