Erik ten Hag anticipates Manchester United being without Antony, Anthony Martial and Scott McTominay for at least another week in a key period of the season.

United have played twice already in February and will have another five matches before the end of the month, including a two-legged Europa League tie against Barcelona and the EFL Cup final against Newcastle United.

Injuries have come at a bad time then, with Christian Eriksen out long term, Casemiro suspended and a further trio likely to be missing for at least the next two matches.

United visit Leeds United on Sunday, then Barcelona on Thursday, and Ten Hag was asked if Antony, Martial or McTominay could make the trip to Camp Nou.

"I can't say for 100 per cent, but I don't expect it," he said.

Although Eriksen was injured in a challenge from Reading's Andy Carroll, Ten Hag accepts other issues have occurred as result of a "tough season".

But United have been boosted by Marcus Rashford's stunning form and the return to action of Jadon Sancho, whose midweek goal in the home game against Leeds earned a point.

Sancho has been back in the fold since the start of the month, having previously been absent from any matchday squad since October.

"This is what makes this job so exciting," Ten Hag said of Rashford and Sancho. "It's wonderful to work with young people, to get the best out of them.

"Finally, they have to do it by themselves. But sometimes they need motivation, they need interaction, they need inspiration."

For now, Ten Hag's focus is on getting the best out of his team over this hectic stretch, rather than worrying about the latest talk of a potential European Super League.

"I'm aware of the dynamic, what's going on," Ten Hag said. "If they're coming up with new ideas, I'll have to look at it and make an opinion.

"I'm not aware, because we are playing so many games at this moment. We have to develop this team, we have some problems, some new players to bring in. That's where my focus point is, and it needs all my energy.

"On new European competitions, the people in this club will look at it and inform me if the time is there and the moment is there to make decisions, but the decisions are up to the club.

"I think the current structure [of European football] is good, but there will always be initiatives to make it better, to make the football better.

"That's what life is. People always want to construct better. This is a good thing. If it's in favour of the football, it's always good."

Manchester United's improvement this season has been significant, there's no doubt about that.

Erik ten Hag has not only made them more disciplined, but something resembling a team identity is beginning to take shape.

The Dutchman's signings have largely been effective as well. The jury is out on Antony, though he has shown a bit more promise lately. Otherwise, however, Ten Hag gets high marks in this area.

Casemiro and Christian Eriksen have, of course, been the standout individuals in this respect. The experienced pair have brought know-how, control and general quality to the engine room, with the Brazilian also providing the destructive tendencies they long lacked.

But their excellence also highlights the significant gulf in quality to their back-ups.

United look likely to have another busy pre-season in the transfer market, but if there's one area they still need to bolster, strangely enough it's where they're arguably strongest.

A step in the right direction

That midfield trio of Casemiro, Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes is among the best of its kind in the Premier League.

While the two new arrivals have made a real impact already, quickly becoming hugely influential, that's taken some of the burden off Fernandes, who in turn has flourished.

But when you take Casemiro or Eriksen – or both, as was the case against Leeds on Wednesday and when the two tussle again on Sunday – United simply don't have the same standard or type of player.

Obviously, you can't expect a team to have two world-class options for every single position, but at Old Trafford there has to be an acceptance that they need to get as close to such depth as possible if they are to be a long-term challenger to Manchester City under Ten Hag.

Marcel Sabitzer looked fairly assured and generally promising on his first start as he filled in for Eriksen, who is out until May, during Wednesday's 2-2 draw at home to Leeds United, but Casemiro's suspension saw Fred deputise.

Fred routinely proved before this season that he isn't equipped to play as a six, so him lining up in his compatriot's position may have caused fans some stress.

In fairness to him, he didn't really fill that role at all – but then neither did anyone else. He and Sabitzer both occupied very similar positions, so United were essentially playing with two eights rather than an eight and a six.

It's no wonder they often looked outnumbered when Leeds attacked. Not only was Casemiro absent, they didn't really have anyone occupying his void.

United cannot stand still

Fred's effort certainly can't be faulted. If there's one thing he stands out for, it's his work ethic.

He ran further than any of his team-mates on Wednesday, while only Luke Ayling (24) and Alejandro Garnacho (20) engaged in more duels than his 17.

Additionally, there were nine players to register 10 or more duel involvements, and only Ayling (66.7 per cent) had a better success rate than Fred (58.8 per cent).

But it's all well and good running around lots. He didn't actually offer a great deal of defensive protection, attempting just two tackles and making one interception.

Of course, you'd not necessarily expect those figures to be through the roof in a game United largely dominated, and any lack of protection would've been forgiven had he been an effective user of the ball.

He wasn't.

The only United player (minimum 10 pass attempts) with a poorer completion rate than Fred (62.5 per cent) was Garnacho (61.9 per cent).

It was a frantic game, so it's not like being a world-class playmaker is something a player can just switch on and off.

But when United were chasing a winner, their passing seemed to get even sloppier. Fred in particular was guilty of coughing up possession in his own half on several occasions when Ten Hag's men threatened to spring a counter or a direct build-up.

Fred certainly has his uses, and Ten Hag has shown that by frequently introducing him from the bench in the second half of matches to inject a bit of energy.

But Wednesday was another reminder of how he really needs a number six behind him rather than to be the player – or one of – expected to provide control as he's like a deer in headlights against teams who press high. In a number eight role with freedom to attack, he could be a reliable option as he's technically better than many give him credit for – he cannot be the one to provide the balance, however, because he just doesn't have the composure.

United took a big step last year by finally addressing the midfield needs that had dogged them ever since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

Yet, if they are to push on from what will likely be reflected on as a positive debut campaign for Ten Hag, United cannot stand still. The signings of Casemiro and Eriksen need to be the start.

Manchester City reportedly view Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell as a potential answer to their left-back problem and will investigate a move at the end of the season.

Chilwell, 26, was purchased from Leicester City for a £50million fee prior to the 2020-21 campaign, and he enjoyed immediate success at Stamford Bridge. In his first season with the club, all 27 of his Premier League appearances came in the starting line-up, and he also played a full 90 minutes in their Champions League final triumph over City.

Unfortunately, the England international with 17 senior caps has been plagued by injuries since, with a serious knee injury this past season followed by a long-term hamstring injury early in the current campaign.

Chilwell returned from his hamstring issue with a brief appearance off the bench against Fulham on February 3, and if he can prove his fitness down the stretch then he could prove the perfect replacement for Joao Cancelo after his shock departure on loan to Bayern Munich.

TOP STORY – CITY IDENTIFY CHILWELL AS POTENTIAL CANCELO REPLACEMENT

The future of Cancelo with City is looking bleak after he was shipped off to Bayern following reports of a training ground dispute with boss Pep Guardiola, and Caught Offside claims the club are already looking at long-term solutions in his position.

Fabrizio Romano writes that "Chilwell is one of the players who has been appreciated by Manchester City for years" – but adds the Englishman is just one name on a shortlist of left-back options to pursue when the season wraps up.

Chilwell's five-year contract with Chelsea ties him to the club until 2025, but the report states the addition of Marc Cucurella has made him more expendable if the price is right.

ROUND-UP

– According to 90min, Chelsea have made 24-year-old Napoli striker Victor Osimhen their top forward target, and he is expected to cost in excess of £100million (€110m).

– The Daily Mail is reporting Tottenham will look to sign new centre-backs at the end of the season, and have taken a liking to 22-year-old Crystal Palace talent Marc Guehi, who may be available for a fee of around £45million.

– According to Spanish publication Sport, Barcelona will join a long list of elite clubs – including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Inter – in the pursuit of 25-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram. The France international will become a free agent after the season, and his father Lillian Thuram spent two seasons with Barcelona before retiring.

– Inter will work to secure 29-year-old striker Romelu Lukaku on either a permanent deal or another loan from Chelsea next season at a lower cost, per Gazzetta dello Sport.

– Football Insider is reporting Liverpool, Everton and Leeds United are all interested in 18-year-old Birmingham City midfielder George Hall, who some are calling "the next Jude Bellingham".

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's return to the Premier League has not gone as he would have planned.

The striker headed back to England after a promising stint in Barcelona, adamant he had a point to prove following a rather acrimonious split with Arsenal.

But the man who secured his arrival – Thomas Tuchel – was soon sacked, and his replacement – Graham Potter – does not appear to be particularly taken with Aubameyang.

If that was not already clear, then removing him from their Champions League squad in order to make room for new signings certainly did. The writing is on the wall.

TOP STORY – AUBAMEYANG OFF TO MLS

According to France's Le10 Sport, Aubameyang is "very close" to leaving Stamford Bridge. His next destination? Los Angeles.

The report suggests Los Angeles FC and Chelsea have already reached an agreement, and with Aubameyang's situation seemingly pretty clear in the Premier League, his exit looks likely.

Aubameyang will move to MLS on loan, thus allowing the Blues to save on a significant chunk of his wages – not that money is tight at Chelsea, as their January dealings showed.

ROUND-UP

- The Athletic reports Chelsea remain locked in contract talks with N'Golo Kante, but Tuttomercato says Juventus are monitoring the situation.

- Sofyan Amrabat was a standout player for Morocco at the World Cup and was heavily linked with Barcelona in January. He ultimately stayed with Fiorentina, though it was not for a lack of trying. According to Mundo Deportivo, he offered to play for free for the rest of the season.

- Leeds United earned a commendable point at Manchester United on Wednesday, but they still need to get a new manager. Onda Cero claims the club have been dealt a blow on that front, with Rayo Vallecano head coach Andoni Iraola opting to stay put.

- Inter's financial situation remains precarious, so which club are they turning to in the hope of easing those worries? Why, Chelsea of course! Tuttosport says sporting director Piero Ausilio has been in London discussing the sale of Denzel Dumfries to the Blues. Trevoh Chalobah could move the other way.

- Another tricky pre-season awaits off the pitch for Barcelona given their own financial uncertainty: LaLiga says they need to get €200million off the wage bill. Some clubs might be licking their lips at the prospect of potentially coming in for their prized assets, though Mundo Deportivo reports they will not entertain the idea of selling Frenkie de Jong – Manchester United were keen on him last year.

Erik ten Hag backed Jadon Sancho to shine for the rest of the season after his first goal since September saw Manchester United salvage a 2-2 draw against Leeds United.

Sancho played his first game since October 22 when he came on from the bench against Nottingham Forest earlier this month, having missed an extended period due to what Ten Hag described as "circumstances with fitness and mood".

The England international was introduced as a second-half substitute with United 2-0 down on Wednesday, as Wilfried Gnonto's early strike was followed up by an own goal from Raphael Varane.

However, Marcus Rashford halved the arrears with his 20th goal of the season before Sancho's effort squirmed through the clutches of Illan Meslier, denying managerless Leeds a first league win at Old Trafford since 1981.

Ten Hag hopes Sancho's display is a sign of things to come, saying of his introduction: "I wanted a different dynamic. In that moment we weren't in the game. 

"Luckily it succeeded because we scored two goals. We're very happy. 

"He's all the way back. We know he's a magnificent player. I think he can consistently have a big impact, but he has to work hard. 

"It will motivate him to get more. I really enjoyed it, especially for him. It will strengthen him."

While Ten Hag was pleased with United's improvement over the course of the match, their slow start left him with a sour taste, given Gnonto found the net just 55 seconds after kick-off.

"It's mixed feelings. Of course in the end we were happy to win a point – but we dropped two points," he added.

"It's a very bad start, unacceptable, especially in a derby you have to be ready to battle and take responsibility. We didn't do that.

"I have to complement the team and their resilience to fight back. We made two great team goals."

United will soon have the chance to go one better against their old rivals, as they head to Elland Road on Sunday for the second instalment in a rare Premier League double-header.

After witnessing Leeds produce an energetic display on Wednesday, Ten Hag called on his team to win more duels next time out.

"We knew before how they would play with attitude and style. We didn't know what system they would play but you have to be ready and read the game," Ten Hag said.

"Definitely you have to win your battles. That is for everyone to take the responsibility. If you win those individual battles, you will win this game."

Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford rescued Manchester United in a lively 2-2 draw with Leeds United at Old Trafford, denying the managerless visitors a famous win with a second-half fightback.

United knew a win would move them level with second-placed Manchester City in the Premier League table, but Wilfried Gnonto stunned the Red Devils by firing Leeds ahead inside one minute.

Raphael Varane's own goal then gave United a mountain to climb, but in-form forward Rashford gave them hope with a fine header, setting up a grandstand finish.

Sancho – who recently returned to the fold after a period of absence – levelled things up as a second-half substitute, before United failed to force a winner in a captivating finish. 

Leeds came flying out of the traps and scored after 55 seconds as Gnonto drilled into the bottom-left corner following a give-and-go with Patrick Bamford.

The hosts then laid siege to Leeds' goal for the rest of the first half, with Alejandro Garnacho volleying wide before Maximilian Wober denied him with a goal-line clearance.

Marcel Sabitzer drew a spectacular save from Illan Meslier from 25 yards, and the Red Devils fell further behind shortly after half-time.

The outstanding Gnonto found substitute Crysencio Summerville on the underlap, and his cut-back was diverted past David de Gea by Varane.

United found a route back into the contest just after the hour as Rashford rose to head Diogo Dalot's cross home, and their pressure told once more with 20 minutes remaining.

Shaw's cut-back deflected into the path of Sancho, who saw his tame effort squirm through Meslier's grip to level things up.

Varane almost went from villain to hero with a powerful header as United continued to press, but Meslier atoned for his own earlier error with a save to preserve Leeds' point.

Erik ten Hag is not concerned by Wout Weghorst's lack of goals since joining Manchester United on loan as he believes the striker is helping to get more out of other players.

Weghorst has started all six of United's matches since arriving from Burnley last month but has scored only once, in the 3-0 EFL Cup semi-final first-leg win at Nottingham Forest.

The 30-year-old has also yet to assist a goal in his 439 minutes on the field and was substituted off shortly before the hour mark in Saturday's 2-1 league win over Crystal Palace.

However, United have scored 13 goals across the six games Weghorst has played in, winning four of those, and he has received the backing of manager Ten Hag.

"He is the one who makes players around him play better," Ten Hag said ahead of Thursday's Premier League meeting with Leeds United.

"As a team we have to work better to anticipate his movements because his movements are good, and quite a lot of times he was close [to scoring]. 

"He had many good actions and already a lot of good contributions to our results. He will score, but in the meantime he will do the other stuff, and do it good."

Weghorst has an expected goals (xG) value of 1.66 since making his debut against Crystal Palace on January 18, which is the fourth most of any United player across that time.

By comparison, United team-mate Marcus Rashford has scored three goals from an xG of 1.98 in that period.

"It is not just about scoring as an individual but scoring from the team," Ten Hag added. "The team has to win. He is doing a very good job at this moment in several aspects."

Weghorst is set to start against Leeds – the first of two league meetings between the sides in the space of four days – as Anthony Martial is once again ruled out with a hip injury.

Martial has not played a full 90 minutes for United in the Premier League since January 2021 against Sheffield United and has started only six games in the competition this term.

Ten Hag has been impressed by what he has seen from Martial, though, and insists the France international is working hard to return to full fitness.

"He is not always available, but also I see the other side when he is available," Ten Hag said. 

"He was never 100 per cent this season but he had a big impact every time he is available, even when he is at 80, 85, 90 per cent.

"I think Anthony Martial is the player who has spent the most hours at Carrington this season, to return to recover, to get back, it is really so a pity for him that he is disappointed.

"He's not always available and we want him to be always available as that will improve our game and because routines can't become routines when you're not always available."

United are unbeaten in their past 17 home league games against Leeds, stretching back to a 1-0 loss in February 1981.

Reported Leeds United target Carlos Corberan has signed a contract extension as West Brom head coach after links to the Premier League club.

Spaniard Corberan was part of Leeds fan favourite Marcelo Bielsa's backroom staff amid the Argentine's spell at Elland Road.

Corberan subsequently took a head coach role at rivals Huddersfield Town, guiding them to the Championship play-off final in 2022 before resigning amid reported disagreements with the club's board.

Jesse Marsch's dismissal by Leeds on Monday created speculation the Whites would move to bring in Corberan, who has taken West Brom from second-bottom in the Championship to the play-off positions since his appointment in October.

Leeds majority owner Andrea Radrizzani told supporters on Tuesday a decision would soon arrive, posting on Twitter: "We are on it ….hopefully white smoke by tonight or [tomorrow] morning"

But West Brom swiftly dispelled talk of Corberan leaving, posting a teasing clip from British television series Happy Valley that said: "Why's everyone saying you are going to Leeds when you're not?"

"I have enjoyed my time at Albion, and I am pleased to have secured a contract extension," Corberan told the club's official website upon confirmation of his new deal until June 2027.

"I believe that success can only be achieved when everyone works together and the way I have been made to feel welcome at this great club has made me confident that this is the right place for me.

"It is important to me that we do not let this moment distract us from our target, which is to ensure we improve every day, making the team more and more competitive for the challenges ahead.

"My focus is always on earning a positive result in our next game and we are working hard to achieve that at Birmingham City on Friday night."

Feyenoord manager Arne Slot and Rayo Vallecano Andoni Iraola are among the reported favourites for the Leeds head coach vacancy.

Erik ten Hag feels bringing back the fear factor for teams coming to Old Trafford is key to restoring Manchester United to their former glories.

Ten Hag's men have rattled off 13 straight victories in home matches, helping United to third in the Premier League while also securing their place in the EFL Cup final and the fifth round of the FA Cup.

United will look to make it 14 consecutive victories at Old Trafford when they host rivals Leeds United on Wednesday, looking to capitalise on Arsenal and Manchester City both losing over the weekend.

Ten Hag was asked about the importance of getting teams to dread facing United in their own backyard, to which he replied: "It was one of our aims this season to get that back.

"It's part of the process to restore Manchester United. It's great to have the connection with Old Trafford."

Despite United's impressive home form, Ten Hag wants his team to play with the same confidence and freedom on the road, having won just five of their 11 league games away from Old Trafford this season.

"I think home form is good," he added. "The next step is to have that same personality away as we do at home.

"When we play away we have a lot of fans following us and we can do the same away. Pitches are the same size and it is still 11 against 11. 

"We can grow, we still have steps to make but happy with that as well."

The Red Devils will fancy their chances of picking up another three points against Leeds, who sacked head coach Jesse Marsch on Tuesday with the team winless in seven league games and only outside the relegation zone on goal difference.

Ten Hag acknowledged how important the rivalry was for the two sets of supporters, while also expressing his sympathy for Marsch following the American's dismissal.

"It's the match of the roses," Ten Hag said. "It's definitely a big game in this part of England and a big game for us.

"We have City, we have Liverpool, but as well for our fans this game means so much. Our players are aware of that and will know what to do.

"It's always sad if a manager gets sacked. In general, I don't believe it that you sack a manager and get better results.

"Most of the time it doesn't work. But the pressure is high with decision-makers at football and they turn, but if you see the facts, most of the time it doesn't work out well."

Ten Hag will be without a number of key players for Wednesday, with Scott McTominay, Antony and Anthony Martial all absent with injury while Casemiro will serve the first game of his three-match suspension for grabbing the throat of Will Hughes in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.

But Ten Hag is expecting victory and says he will not accept any excuses should they not achieve that, adding: "I always have to play with the players who are available and we have a squad.

"We have many good players in our squad who are not playing in the starting XI. 

"After a game, I can't say, 'Casemiro is not there, Anthony Martial is not there'. We have to win. United are capable and we have to win the games no matter who is on the pitch."

At the end of February 2022, Leeds United bosses had seen enough.

"This has been the toughest decision I have had to make," said chairman Andrea Radrizzani at the time.

Leeds had taken just one point from six games, leaving them only two points above the relegation zone. A 4-0 home defeat by Tottenham was the final straw for Marcelo Bielsa, who was dismissed on February 27. 

At the beginning of February 2023, Leeds United bosses had again seen enough as they parted company with Bielsa's successor Jesse Marsch.

Leeds have taken just three points from their past seven games, leaving them level on points with Everton in the final relegation spot, albeit having played a game fewer than the three teams below them.

Unlike Bielsa, who ended the club's long wait to get back into the Premier League and then guided them to a ninth-placed finish in their first season back, Marsch never truly won over the fanbase.

Whereas Bielsa had murals dedicated to him all over west Yorkshire throughout his time in change, with his exit doing little to impact the esteem he's held in around Leeds, Marsch's year in charge will likely soon be a distant memory.

Indeed, the 95-word statement put out by the club on Monday confirming his departure – with no comment from Radrizzani or his peers – was as brutal as it was damning.

And so Leeds are now on the lookout for a new man to keep them in the division, with Carlos Corberan – who has impressed in his four months at West Brom – the early frontrunner to take charge.

Bielsa is also reportedly among the contenders to succeed the man who succeeded him, while Mauricio Pochettino, Ange Postecoglou and Ralph Hasenhuttl have been touted as other options.

New manager bounce?

Pulling the plug on Marsch's tenure was a big call by Leeds chiefs, coming in the same week they face Manchester United in back-to-back Premier League games.

It will be only the second time in the competition's history that the same two teams have met in successive games, following Arsenal's 2-0 and 4-2 wins over Bolton Wanderers in January 2010.

Leeds are in a race against time to bring a new man in before the first of those games at Old Trafford on Wednesday, although they then have a further four days ahead of welcoming their fierce rivals back to Elland Road.

As it stands, Marsch's assistant Chris Armas, who previously worked as Ralf Rangnick's right-hand man at Old Trafford last season, is expected to oversee the midweek match in Manchester.

A new manager bounce would come in handy for at least one of those games. In the view of many Leeds fans, simply having anyone other than Marsch in the dugout will boost their chances of getting a result.

Whether it be a caretaker or a permanent head coach, though, history suggests bringing in someone new ahead of playing United very rarely pays off.

Of the 16 previous occasions a manager or caretaker has taken charge of his first Premier League match against United, the Red Devils have won 12 times, drawn once and lost only three times.

However, the most recent such instance was just three months ago when Unai Emery inspired Aston Villa to a 3-1 home win against Erik ten Hag's side, ending United's nine-match winning run in such encounters.

Emery joins an elite list that also includes Alan Curbishley and a certain Jose Mourinho, who masterminded wins over United in their first Premier League games in charge of West Ham and Chelsea respectively.

Little joy for Leeds

Perhaps a more telling statistic, though, is the one that highlights just how badly Leeds have performed in this fixture down the years, regardless of who has been at the helm.

Leeds have won only one of their past 17 Premier League games against the team from across the Pennines, with that a 1-0 victory in September 2002.

That winless run goes back even further when only accounting for top-flight matches played at Old Trafford, where they were last victorious in February 1981. 

Returning to the elite after 16 years away has done little to change the one-sided nature of this fixture, with Leeds losing three of their four meetings over the past two campaigns and drawing the other.

The 15 goals they have conceded against United in 6-2 5-1 and 4-2 defeats are second only to the 16 shipped against Manchester City over that same period.

Furthermore, since the start of last season, Leeds have taken just one point from their eight games against sides starting the day in the top three.

Marsch or not, this was always going to be a match in which the odds were stacked massively against Leeds, particularly with their opponents on a 13-game winning streak at Old Trafford in all competitions.

That is the Red Devils' best run since a record 20 wins in a row between December 2010 and September 2011.

Plenty to play for

Ending that barren run will go a long way to boosting Leeds' survival hopes, although ultimately whoever comes in will have 16 matches after this week's unique double-header to steer the Whites to safety.

Without a win in seven Premier League games, with that the longest ongoing run of any side, it hardly came as a big surprise to see Marsch given his marching orders on the back of 1-0 loss at Nottingham Forest.

The American departs with a Premier League win percentage of 25 across his 32 matches, which is the second-lowest of any Leeds boss in the division after Eddie Gray (24 per cent).

Another new era now beckons at Elland Road, and whoever it is that replaces Marsch will have their work cut out in the short term keeping Leeds above the dotted line.

Whether that can be achieved remains to be seen. But if we have learned anything about Leeds throughout the Premier League era, it is that it will certainly make for entertaining viewing either way.

Leeds United have sacked head coach Jesse Marsch after less than a year in charge.

The American was hired at the end of February 2022 following the dismissal of Marcelo Bielsa but suffered the same fate less than a year later.

Marsch steered Leeds to Premier League survival last season, after Bielsa was shown the door with the Whites only two points above the bottom three.

It was hardly an emphatic end to the season, however, with Leeds' 2-1 win over Brentford on the last day of the campaign ensuring their safety in 17th place.

Leeds lost key players Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips in pre-season, but those departures contributed to Marsch being able to invest heavily in the squad.

Including the January additions of Maximilian Wober, Georginio Rutter and Weston McKennie, who arrived on loan last week, the West Yorkshire club are reported to have spent £129million this season.

Many of those to arrive were known to Marsch, who had previously worked with three Red Bull franchises: RB Leipzig, Salzburg and New York Red Bulls.

Four of their signings this term came from those teams, highlighting how Marsch was entrusted to build a squad in his image.

But he leaves the club having not overseen a Premier League win since before the World Cup, with the 4-3 defeat of Bournemouth on November 5 their last victory.

Since then they have failed to win seven successive matches, though even that is not their worst winless run of the campaign – after beating Chelsea 3-0, they managed just two points from eight games.

The final straw came in Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest, when a section of Leeds fans could be heard chanting for Marsch to leave.

The loss left them only out of the relegation zone on goal difference, though Everton – level with them on 18 points – have a game in hand.

Marsch's coaching staff have also been dismissed, with the process of appointing a new head coach already under way.

The Leeds hierarchy took action ahead of a Premier League double-header with bitter rivals Manchester United.

Newcastle United have joined the race for Jude Bellingham, with reports suggesting they are not dissuaded by Borussia Dortmund's potential £133million (€150m) asking price.

Bellingham, 19, has become one of the top prospects in world football since arriving in Germany, becoming a key player for Dortmund and impressing at the World Cup with England.

The Birmingham City youth product, who already has 22 senior caps to his name, has become more of a goal-scoring threat this season, with his 10 goals in all competitions already matching the combined total from his past two seasons. 

Bellingham netted in each of his first four Champions League fixtures this campaign, joining Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe as the only teenagers to ever score in four consecutive games in the competition.

The world's biggest clubs are set to fight it out for the young phenomenon's services, and Newcastle want in on the action.

TOP STORY – NEWCASTLE ENTER BELLINGHAM CHASE

According to Sport Bild, the main four contenders for Bellingham are Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Real Madrid, but "Newcastle United are trying to get into the game".

The report says Bellingham has ruled out both Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain but gives no indication that Bellingham would consider a move to St James' Park.

That could change if Newcastle – who have lost just once this Premier League season – qualify for the Champions League.

It also states Dortmund will demand "up to" £133m (€150m), but with so many wealthy, interested parties, it is hard to imagine the final figure falls below that without any unforeseen injury concerns.

ROUND-UP

– The New York Times is reporting Fiorentina were left frustrated by Chelsea owner Todd Boehly after he personally called them with a low-ball offer for 26-year-old Morocco midfielder Sofyan Amrabat on deadline day.

– Leeds United winger Jack Harrison, 26, is expected to sign a new contract with the club after his £20m transfer to Leicester City was called off at the 11th hour, per Sky Sports.

– According to Calciomercato, Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has received interest from both MLS and Saudi Arabian clubs, but he has his heart set on a contract extension at the Santiago Bernabeu.

– The Telegraph is reporting Chelsea's academy players fear a mass exodus if the club misses out on Champions League qualification, as they will need to balance their books with some sales.

– According to The Independent, Everton do not feel 30-year-old free agent Isco has the physical profile to suit the Premier League and are no longer considering his signing.

With the cup competitions taking a back seat again for a moment, it's back to the Premier League this weekend.

As it's the first round of games since the transfer deadline passed, there's bound to be some new faces on display.

But new signings – particularly in January – can pose a bit of a risk at first in fantasy football, so sticking to what you know may be the way to go for now.

Harnessing Opta data, Stats Perform identifies some fantasy picks who will hopefully give you the edge.

David de Gea (Manchester United v Crystal Palace, and Manchester United v Leeds United)

Erik ten Hag has improved United in a host of ways, but arguably their most significant improvement has been defensively.

As such, De Gea's eight clean sheets this season is bettered by only Nick Pope (12) and Aaron Ramsdale (nine), with his average of 0.4 per 90 minutes his best record since the 2017-18 season.

United also have a double gameweek consisting of two home matches, the first of which is against Crystal Palace, whose haul of 18 goals scored is only better than five teams.

Benoit Badiashile (Chelsea v Fulham)

French centre-back Badiashile appears to have settled in well at Stamford Bridge, certainly making his presence known defensively with his 13 clearances across his two games bettered by just two players in the league.

Both of those matches have also resulted in clean sheets for Chelsea, who are starting to look a little sturdier at the back.

Fulham are an entirely different proposition this season compared to their usual efforts in the top flight, so they should not be taken lightly, but Badiashile is contributing to Chelsea being stronger defensively.

A third successive clean sheet is not out of the question.

Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton and Hove Albion v Bournemouth)

The man everyone seems to be talking about at the moment.

Mitoma is among the Premier League's most exciting players currently, with his brilliant ability with the ball at his feet getting fans off their seats.

But there is substance to his play as well. He has been involved in eight goals in his past 11 league outings, while only seven players have more than his five involvements since his first top-flight start on October 29.

Further to that, over the same period, James Ward-Prowse (33.3 per cent) is the only player with a better shot conversion rate (minimum 10 shots) than Mitoma (30.8 per cent).

Bournemouth have been warned.

Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa v Leicester City)

Watkins has not really kicked on since his promising first campaign in the Premier League, but there have been signs of promise under Unai Emery.

Since the Basque coach was appointed, Watkins' four goal involvements for Villa is a high in the Premier League, and up next is one of the division's leakiest defences on current form.

Leicester have conceded 10 league goals since the post-World Cup restart, with only Everton (11) letting in more.

Leeds United striker Rodrigo Moreno will miss up to two months after suffering an ankle injury.

The Spain international sustained the knock during Leeds' FA Cup fourth round win at Accrington Stanley on Saturday.

Rodrigo is likely to miss around eight Premier League games during his absence, including the upcoming double header against Manchester United.

The 31-year-old is the club's top scorer this season, having hit 12 goals in 22 games, and a statement from Leeds on Thursday confirmed Rodrigo: "suffered bone and ligament damage as a result of a challenge and has undergone minor surgery".

The club also said that the "medical team at Thorp Arch are confident that Rodrigo will return to play by the end of March," meaning he could be back in time for April's trip to league leaders Arsenal.

Jesse Marsch's men sit 15th in the Premier League, having only won two of their last 16 league games. They have not secured three points since their 4-3 win against Bournemouth on November 5.

Manchester City might be searching for a new left-back following Joao Cancelo's departure to Bayern Munich.

Cancelo, a star of City's last few seasons, joined Bayern on loan earlier this week having fallen out of favour with Pep Guardiola.

Bayern have the option to make that move permanent at the end of the season, meaning City could well be in the market for a replacement.

TOP STORY – Chilwell to join City from Chelsea?

The Times is reporting that City could target Ben Chilwell, the Chelsea full-back, to replace Cancelo.

England international Chilwell has had an injury-disrupted season and missed the World Cup due to a hamstring issue.

However, he would fit the mould when it comes to the attacking full-backs that Guardiola employs.

If City have a big windfall to play with from a potential Cancelo sale, could a fresh start in the north west be on the cards for Chilwell?

ROUND-UP

– The Mail and The Athletic are reporting that Everton are looking to make amends for their fruitless January transfer window by signing free agent Andre Ayew to address their striker concerns. Nottingham Forest are also said to be in talks with the attacker, who last played for Al Sadd in Qatar.

– According to The Times, Everton could also target former Real Madrid midfielder Isco after his move to Union Berlin fell through.

– Sky Germany reports Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino is close to signing an extension at Anfield, with his current deal expiring at the end of this campaign.

– Paris Saint-Germain are said to be "furious" with Chelsea after Hakim Ziyech's loan move to the Parc des Princes fell through.

– Barcelona coach Xavi insisted that they wish to build around Raphinha in the future, after the Brazil winger was linked with a move away from Camp Nou.

– Phil Hay of The Athletic detailed how Leeds United's Jack Harrison had a medical at Leicester City before a switch to the King Power Stadium broke down on deadline day.