Micah Richards thinks Leeds United’s style is unfair on one Marcelo Bielsa mainstay

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Micah Richards has told BBC 5 Live’s Monday Night Club that he thinks Leeds United’s attacking style under Marcelo Bielsa is unfair on goalkeeper Illan Meslier, following Sunday evening’s heavy 6-2 loss to Manchester United.

Meslier, 20, made a number of stunning saves to deny the likes of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Dan James but still had to pick the ball up out of the net on six occasions. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer got his tactics spot on at Old Trafford.

Leeds have now conceded more Premier League goals than any other team this season, letting in 30 during their 14 league games. However, they have scored 24 and many have seemingly forgotten that Leeds only beat Newcastle 5-2 last Wednesday.

Richards was asked about Leeds’ loss to their bitter rivals on Sunday evening, and he feels that £16,500-a-week (Spotrac) goalkeeper Meslier did not deserve to concede so many goals after producing some excellent saves throughout.

“Meslier, if it wasn’t for him it could have been 10 or 12,” Richards said. “He’s got to pick six balls out of the back of his net after having a decent game. It’s not fair on him. He’s got to say to his defenders ‘stay’.

“Ayling is predominantly a right-back and Dallas can play in midfield, so the team was unbalanced. But I think they have got to take some responsibility. When you go 4-0 down, come on.”

TBR’s view – Meslier has clearly brought into Leeds style

Certainly, he has plenty to repay Marcelo Bielsa. The Argentine gaffer has shown enormous faith in the young goalkeeper, playing him ahead of Spain international and ex-Real Madrid stopper Kiko Casilla.

His stats are still excellent reading. Meslier only has 25 first-team appearances to his name at Leeds, but has kept 11 clean sheets in that time, conceding 35. Meslier may feel that even if he plays well, he will concede, but he has bought into Bielsa’s way.