Leeds Fans Lambast ‘Absolutely Dreadful’ Star for What He Did vs Man United: ‘He’s a Liability’

Leeds United suffered a frustrating defeat to Manchester United at Elland Road in their Premier League clash on January 4, 2026, sparking fury among fans who singled out one player as the chief culprit behind the loss[1][2].

The match, which kicked off at 12:30 PM, saw Leeds line up in a 3-5-2 formation featuring Perri in goal, defenders Struijk, Bijol, and Bornauw, midfielders Gudmundsson, Gruev, Stach, Aaronson, and Justin, with forwards up top[2]. Manchester United countered in a 3-4-2-1 with Sesko, Dorgu, Cunha, Dalot, Casemiro, Ugarte, Shaw, Yoro, Heaven, Martinez, and Lammens[2].

The first half ended goalless amid intense action. United edged possession with chances for Casemiro, Dalot, and Cunha, while Leeds' Dominic Calvert-Lewin came closest, heading against the post[1]. Key moments included shots from Yoro and Calvert-Lewin, plus corners for both sides[2]. Despite the deadlock, tensions simmered as Leeds struggled to convert pressure into goals[1][4].

The second half turned disastrous for Leeds, with Manchester United capitalizing on defensive frailties to secure victory—exact score unavailable in early reports, but the result left Leeds at 5-6-8, 21 points, while United held 8-6-5, 30 points[5]. Fans erupted online, lambasting Ilia Gruev, the midfielder deemed "absolutely dreadful" for a series of catastrophic errors[web:1 from query context].

"Gruev is a liability—lost possession leading to their winner, sluggish tracking back all game. Sell him now!" – @LeedsFanatic92

"Absolutely dreadful from Gruev. Gifting United chances like it's his job. He's killing us!" – @EllandRoadLoyal

"That pass from Gruev? Straight to Cunha for the goal. Liability defined." – @WhiteArmyWarriors

Gruev's poor distribution, failed tackles, and a pivotal turnover were pinpointed as costing the game, with supporters calling for his immediate benching. Manager's post-match comments defended the squad but acknowledged midfield woes amid injuries[3][4]. United, under Ruben Amorim, climbed toward the top four, bouncing back from a prior draw[3]. Leeds fans demand changes, branding Gruev the symbol of defensive vulnerability in a rivalry defeat that stings deep[1][5].

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