KEY POINTS

  • Manchester United defeated Leeds United last Saturday
  • The club also officially announced the arrival of Raphael Varane
  • An away game against Southampton is slated to happen next Sunday

Manchester United kicked off its run to the top of the English Premier League on a high note as the Red Devils soundly defeated Leeds United, 5-1, at home.

Paul Pogba, despite being linked to Paris Saint-Germain in a transfer, finished the match with four assists, Bruno Fernandes kept Leeds United guessing throughout as he scored a hat-trick by the 60th minute, and both of Fred and 19-year-old Mason Greenwood scored one goal a piece to give the fans at Old Trafford a great show.

Manchester United presented their newest transfer signings to the crowd at Old Trafford as the team officially announced Raphael Varane’s transfer prior to the start of the match and Jadon Sancho entered the game at the 77th minute for Daniel James.

Greenwood got the most rub from club boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the post-game press conference as he praised him for his performance.

Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba, Mason Greenwood
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United celebrates with teammates Mason Greenwood and Paul Pogba after scoring their side's first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Leeds United at Old Trafford on August 14, 2021 in Manchester, England. Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

"I think you can see how much work he has put down in his preseason, in his summer, he has turned into a man," said Solskjaer. "He is filling out, he is stronger. His stride is stronger and you know when he ran away from the defender and scored his goal, it was a joy to see.

"His approach, attitude and application, everything he has done every day has been getting better and better and I think that's maturity as well in the kid."

Sancho’s arrival has only improved the club’s attacking group as he joins a wealth of talent that’s capable of scoring goals at a moment’s notice.

Meanwhile, Varane should slot in perfectly alongside team captain Harry Maguire going into next Sunday’s away game against Southampton.

"To bring players into this club, obviously of his calibre as well, it's going to be really, really exciting," said Maguire. "I think one thing that it does is it boosts our defensive options. I think you've seen what he's won over his career.”

Manchester United will have a full week to bring Varane up to speed and learn the club’s tactics, but there should be no problem in doing so as the French national has been welcomed to the team with open arms.

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