Utter defeat.
Avalanche.
These were the most frequently used words across British media in the aftermath of Leeds United's 9-0 demolition of Manchester United.
Almost all outlets agreed—this was not just a loss. It was a humiliation. A complete collapse.
As Sky Sports' renowned commentator Martin Tyler noted in his post-match analysis, this match held a far greater significance for Manchester United than their previous 1-6 defeat to Tottenham.
Losing to Tottenham had been a surprise.
That match came early in the season. Manchester United had just undergone structural changes. The team wasn't settled, rhythm was lacking, and a series of unexpected incidents contributed to the sudden and heavy defeat.
But this time, the 0-9 defeat to Leeds United was a different story altogether.
Manchester United had prepared meticulously. The players were in peak form. This was arguably the best version of Manchester United so far this season.
They were unbeaten in six games, winning five. Their form had been outstanding, and it gave everyone the belief that the club was turning a corner.
But at Old Trafford, they were utterly humiliated.
From pre-match planning to in-game adjustments to tactical execution, Manchester United were comprehensively outplayed by Leeds United. The White Roses demonstrated to their arch-rivals what modern football looks like—fast, efficient, and ruthless.
Martin Samuel wrote that Solskjær's approach was far too conservative.
The midfield pairing of Matić and McTominay was supposed to offer stability and protection, but they failed to do either. United's defense was repeatedly exposed to Leeds United's relentless attacking waves.
"It's clear that Manchester United's midfield has a serious problem."
Matić is aging. Both defensive midfielders are tall but lack mobility and coverage.
Samuel believes that while Solskjær's tactics might work against weaker opposition, or when defending deep against Manchester City, Leeds United played much smarter this time.
"Pochettino clearly learned from Guardiola's experience. He didn't blindly press United near their penalty area. Instead, he allowed them to move the ball upfield, which created some risk, but also space for his attackers to exploit."
"Most importantly, Leeds United had the confidence to take that risk."
Martin Samuel cited a key stat: Leeds United won possession 25 times in United's half. Fifteen of those resulted in a shot within 20 seconds of winning the ball.
In contrast, Manchester United won possession just four times in Leeds' half, and none led to a shot within 20 seconds.
The 20-second window matters because beyond that, defensive formations are usually already reset.
It was a stark contrast.
It showed that Leeds United applied heavy pressure in the attacking third, especially in the zone between the halfway line and the edge of United's box. They repeatedly forced turnovers and immediately converted them into chances.
Samuel also highlighted Manchester United's failure to press.
"Solskjær was far too conservative. He allowed Leeds' full-backs to push up freely and join the attack."
"Over the entire 90 minutes, Manchester United only regained possession four times in Leeds United's half. Of course Leeds were confident in pushing numbers forward."
In addition to the tactical passivity, Samuel pointed out United's squad deficiencies.
With the team sitting deep and playing on the counter, the lack of a capable hold-up player up front meant they couldn't mount any meaningful attacks.
"Manchester United tried everything—long balls, passing combinations—but they never created real danger."
Samuel said many might think the scoreline was exaggerated and lacked reference value, but that would be wrong.
"This is the second crushing defeat Manchester United has suffered this season."
"The first could be written off as a fluke. But this one? This was total defeat."
"Maybe the gap in strength between the two teams isn't exactly nine goals, but there's no question that Leeds United were vastly superior."
This defeat shattered the momentum United had built over the past six matches.
"Solskjær's team needs to reset and rebuild their confidence."
"Leeds United not only conquered Old Trafford, they destroyed the morale of Manchester United's players. You could see it on the pitch. The team completely collapsed."
"This is the most devastating blow Manchester United could suffer."
...
Maguire captained Manchester United in this match and, notably, was a product of Leeds United's youth system.
In a post-match interview, he echoed much of Martin Samuel's analysis.
The United captain said he realized something was wrong after they conceded the third goal in the first half.
The players' communication, focus, and morale had clearly dropped.
"We stopped calling to each other," Maguire said helplessly.
That's how you know the team had lost heart.
At halftime, the dressing room was quiet.
"We tried hard to lift ourselves, but early in the second half, they came at us again with another wave of attacks. It felt awful."
Maguire mentioned that he had come through Leeds United's system and understood their tactical style, so he tried to warn his teammates. But it didn't help.
"Our form was really good recently. Other than the 0-0 draw with City, we'd won all our games. So we felt confident. We believed we could beat Leeds."
"But once the game started, it became clear very quickly that it wasn't going to be like that."
He admitted that the sheer quality gap between the sides played a big role in destroying United's confidence. And it wasn't just the opponent.
"For a while in the first half, we actually felt good. We thought it would be a great afternoon. A great game. We thought we'd beat the league leaders, move up the table, and go into Christmas full of joy."
"But reality hit hard."
Maguire congratulated Leeds United, acknowledging they were one of the best teams in both the Premier League and Europe.
"I played for Leeds for many years. I'm still in contact with many people there. I know just how good their young players are."
"I believe they're serious contenders for both the Premier League and Champions League this season."
For United, Maguire admitted this defeat was both a blow and a wake-up call.
"It's shown us that we need to stay grounded. We're still far behind the best teams."
As for the title race, he said that should not be the focus for Manchester United right now.
...
Manchester United fans "revolted" after the crushing home defeat.
Many even applauded Leeds United after the final whistle, a gesture that embarrassed the home club further.
Owner Ratcliffe's pre-match prediction of victory had become a joke.
The AI analysis system Manchester United had spent millions on was mocked by the media as a "ghost lamp" system—running hundreds of simulations and getting every result wrong.
"This was an impossible miracle."
Some fans voiced their anger on the spot. Many said they would stop attending live games. Some even threatened to cancel their season tickets and memberships.
"Ratcliffe is destroying Manchester United!"
"This is the worst version of United in history!"
"I can't believe we spent almost 300 million euros this summer, not even counting the players already here."
If you add up the current squad value, Manchester United should be one of the most expensive teams in the Premier League, maybe in all of Europe. And yet, they were humiliated 0-9 at home by Leeds United.
It was simply unthinkable.
After the match, Ferguson gave an interview. Regarding the crushing defeat, the United manager said the match was in the past, and there was no use in dwelling on it.
"All we can say now is, congratulations to Leeds United. They are the best team in the Premier League."
As for United's current condition, Ferguson admitted they hadn't shown any real competitiveness when facing top teams. He also said it would be irresponsible to place all the blame on Solskjær and the coaching staff.
"Yes, things are bad right now. But we are not hopeless."
Ferguson insisted United still had a future.
Despite the two-window transfer ban imposed by UEFA, they would be able to sign players next summer.
And there were plenty of areas that needed strengthening.
In reality, Manchester United's squad was not bad, but the structural flaws were obvious.
The club had money. In terms of global appeal, they were still a top-tier side, and remained one of the biggest names in world football.
That meant they would always be able to attract quality players.
Ferguson believed the key now was to regroup mentally and recover quickly.
"I believe Manchester United will return to their peak sooner or later."
Of course, many fans and pundits were also looking for something—anything—to soften the blow.
After all, the 0-9 loss had dropped Manchester United to 12th in the table. But they weren't the worst.
Among the traditional Premier League giants, there was one club faring even worse than United.
That was Arteta's Arsenal, currently sitting 15th after a 2-1 away loss to Everton.
It was awkward.
Coincidentally, Arsenal would be Leeds United's next opponent in the League Cup quarterfinals.
It would also be Leeds United's final game before Christmas.
The venue? The Emirates Stadium in London.
(To be continued.)