Leeds United suffered a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United yesterday, with late goals from Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho. However, Leeds could soon have a new manager in the form of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.
The Mirror has reported that “Leeds United could make a move to install Steven Gerrard as their new boss after a number of rejections.
“The former Rangers and Aston Villa manager would link up with Elland Road favourite Gary McAllister.”
The club needs a new manager in place soon to ensure they do not get relegated. They are currently just one place above the bottom three, which is a perilous position to be in at this stage of the season.
Bringing in McAllister alongside Gerrard would be a smart move
Many Leeds fans might not feel overwhelmed if Gerrard is appointed, due to his unsuccessful time at Aston Villa. Although bringing in a club legend in McAllister to be his assistant would help galvanise supporters who are in need of a lift.
McAllister has been Gerrard’s assistant at Rangers and Villa. He is also very well thought of by the Leeds faithful. In total, he made 257 appearances for the club and won the First Division in the 1991/92 season.
Gerrard would be up for the fight at Leeds
After a torrid time at Villa Park, Gerrard would have thought wisely about his next destination. It may seem like a very swift return to management but according to Football Insider, he is “very keen” on the job.
Gerrard’s playing career was filled with great comebacks, notably in Istanbul when he inspired his Liverpool side to overcome a 3-0 deficit to win the Champions League. There was also a last-minute goal against West Ham United in the FA Cup final at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.
If Gerrard’s time as a manager is going to reflect what he was like as a player, then he will surely be up for a relegation battle at Elland Road. He has a point to prove, with many doubting him at Aston Villa and this is often when it makes him more dangerous.
On the coaching side, Leeds now has the U.S. men’s national team’s midfield, in Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie. Gerrard is one of the best central midfielders in Premier League history and will no doubt improve Leeds’ midfielders.
For more on Gerrard potentially taking over at Leeds, click here.
There is a lot at stake for Leeds
Relegation from the top flight would be a disaster for Leeds, last time it happened to the club, they had to wait 16 years until they returned. There is also a planned takeover by their shareholders, 49ers Enterprises, in the summer. If the club were to go down, this plan may not come to fruition.
Leeds’ next two games are against Everton and Southampton, who are both in the relegation zone. The club need to get results in these six-pointers, as they will be crucial to their season. Having a new manager in place by the time they walk out at Goodison Park next Saturday would be a massive boost.