Leeds United employee: Defender could be axed from XI after Liam Cooper development
Noel Whelan has suggested Leeds United captain Liam Cooper should return to the starting XI against Man United on Sunday (18 September).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the Whites ambassador said the 31-year-old would bring “more solidity” to Jesse March’s side given his “leadership” qualities.
Leeds are winless since beating Chelsea 3-0 at Elland Road on 21 August.
The Yorkshire club conceded five last time out against Brentford with a back four of Pascal Struijk, Diego Llorente, Robin Koch and Cody Drameh.
Cooper was on the bench at the Brentford Community Stadium – the first time he has been in the Premier League this term.
When asked by Football Insider if Cooper should come back into the starting lineup at Old Trafford, Whelan said: “I think there is a case for Liam to come back in.
“For the past couple of weeks a few of the defenders have been finding it a little bit difficult. Mistakes have been made at the back.
“There is a case for the captain to come back into what is a big game for the fans and for the club.
“A decision needs to be made by Jesse Marsch. When he looks back and analysing the past two games there might be a strong case for a change of personnel.
“Cooper might come back in there. He might bring a bit more solidity because of his leadership out there on the field.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire has revealed Leeds United may be ‘unable to repay loans’ amid £21million document reveal.