Here are your Leeds United evening headlines for Monday, December 21.
James prefers Brighton move
Manchester United winger Daniel James reportedly prefers a move to Brighton, despite interest from Leeds.
James nearly signed with Leeds from Swansea City prior to moving to United in 2019. Leeds have remained interested, but per reports, but the winger would prefer a move to Brighton.
The Sun reports that Brighton boss Graham Potter, who worked with James at Swansea, will ask United to take James on a six-month loan, a move which could benefit all involved.
The report adds that James would welcome working with Potter once more, potentially spurning the chance to sign with Leeds on loan.
Bielsa sends defiant message
Marcelo Bielsa sent a defiant message to his critics following his side's 6-2 defeat to Manchester United.
Leeds played in their usual high-pressing style against the Red Devils on Sunday, but they were punished on the counter-attack in the process. Bielsa, though, says that he will not change the way he sets his team up.
"When we lose there are questions about the style of play and when we win we are praised for it," he said in his post-match press conference.
"I already explained what I thought happened in the game. If the opposing team is able to impose their style on us it means, the opposing manager in this case, I wasn’t able to neutralise it. We will correct what is bad and try to keep the good things, but we will not abandon the way we play."
Sutton criticises Leeds' approach
Writing in the Daily Mail, Chris Sutton criticised Bielsa and the Argentinian's 'kamikaze' style of play, stating that the Leeds boss does not have a plan B to turn to.
Following the defeat at Old Trafford, Sutton wrote: "A month ago, Marcelo Bielsa was asked about his side's defensive record and he talked uninterrupted for 20 minutes.
"He explained the ways in which his side concede goals. Through trying to play out from the back and losing possession. Through counter-attacks after they've flooded players forward. And so on.
"Watching Leeds United is entertaining but they are naive in the extreme. It is kamikaze play at times, and Manchester United exploited that at Old Trafford yesterday.
"Bielsa doesn't seem to have a Plan B. Plan A worked a treat in the Championship, but the Premier League boasts forwards who can punish them.
"No team have conceded more goals than Leeds' 30 this season. Most newly promoted sides focus on being difficult to beat, but that isn't Bielsa's priority. There is a lot to be admired for sticking to your principles, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer schooled the Leeds boss yesterday."
