Marcelo Bielsa could provide Manchester United with glimpse into the future

Manchester United have a trip to Elland Road scheduled for this weekend, with the Reds set to take on their old rivals in Leeds United on Sunday afternoon.

Past meetings between the two clubs have been feisty, thrilling and packed full of drama, and that seems likely to continue given the attacking nature of both teams.

Despite the animosity between the pair of sides, United supporters could almost be gazing into the future by watching Leeds on Sunday. Marcelo Bielsa has been in charge of the Whites since 2018, and one of his many disciples is a certain Mauricio Pochettino.

Tipped to succeed Ralf Rangnick at Old Trafford in the summer, Pochettino has previously described Bielsa as one of the best in the world. "He's like my football father," said Pochettino, "I've known him since I was 14 years old."

The current Paris Saint-Germain coach worked under Bielsa at Newell's Old Boys, Espanyol and the Argentina national team. His time under the enigmatic 66 years-old shaped his views on football and how the sport should be played.

"He is a very demanding coach," said Pochettino of his mentor. "It is really, really, really tough to play under him. He believes in his own methods and a different way of playing."

Bielsa is known for intensity in the footballing world. He was encouraging his players to execute a pressing game before such an approach was widely fashionable, and he's still upholding his principles in the modern day.

According to StatsBomb data, Leeds place top of the Premier League for pressures this season, averaging around 165 per game. Bielsa's men also posted the highest average in the division last season.

His method of pressing is equally unique, as he's always favoured man-marking all over the pitch. As