John O’Shea has concern for Leeds, makes relegation claim

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John O’Shea has told TalkSPORT (Monday, 9.15am) that while he thinks Leeds United have enough to stave off relegation and stay in the Premier League, he is worried that the Whites do not have a plan B to get themselves out of a dogfight.

Leeds suffered a heavy 6-2 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday evening at Old Trafford, as O’Shea’s old side net through Dan James, Victor Lindelof and braces from Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes.

Leeds did score through Stuart Dallas and Liam Cooper but they were always consigned to defeat after going 2-0 down inside three minutes. The Whites remain in 14th place with 17 from 14 games, three above Arsenal.

Manchester United icon O’Shea was impressed by Leeds and thinks they have enough to survive the drop, but reckons the Whites could struggle if they do drop into a relegation dogfight – as Marcelo Bielsa does not have a plan B.

“It’s incredible to watch, I think they’ll be ok,” O’Shea said. “The only worry I have is that if they do go down to the bottom of the table, they don’t have a plan B. Teams will figure them out like Manchester United did, clearing the midfield out.”

TBR’s view – Will Leeds survive the drop?

Leeds have the worst defence in the Premier League. 30 goals have now been conceded and while the Whites have scored 24, they need to tighten up. Injuries to Robin Koch, Diego Llorente and now Liam Cooper will not help that.

January is now key. A new centre-back should be considered by Bielsa and Victor Orta – and if not one, then two. If they bring in a centre-back who is strong in the air, then they will give themselves a much better chance of surviving the drop.