Man Utd's set-piece problem and Ampadu's lethal long-throw weapon
Quick summary
Sky Sports' The Radar highlights Manchester United's vulnerability in defending set-pieces ahead of their clash with Leeds, where Ethan Ampadu's long throws emerge as a potential match-winner.
What happened
The latest edition of Sky Sports' The Radar feature focuses on Manchester United's ongoing struggles to defend set-pieces, an area that has cost them goals this season. With Leeds United up next, attention turns to Ethan Ampadu's exceptional long-throw ability, which has become one of the most dangerous set-piece weapons in the Championship. Ampadu's delivery, reminiscent of Rory Delap in his prime, gives Leeds a tactical edge that could exploit United's aerial and zonal-marking frailties. The piece frames the matchup as a tactical battle where Leeds may look to target United's weakest defensive area repeatedly.
Chance analysis
Set-pieces have long decided tight fixtures at the top level, and Manchester United's continued softness from dead-ball situations is a worrying trend as they face a Leeds side with an unusual but potent weapon. Ethan Ampadu's long throws have evolved from a curiosity into a genuine attacking outlet, capable of turning innocuous plays into goalscoring chances against even well-organised defences. For United, the challenge is less about the throw itself and more about the repeated delivery into dangerous zones — fatigue and concentration are usually the first things to break when a team faces a barrage of long throws. Whoever wins the set-piece battle in this fixture may well decide the result, and right now Leeds appear to hold a clear advantage in that specific phase of play.
United's set-piece defending remains a clear liability, while Leeds gain a tactical edge through Ampadu's long-throw delivery in this specific matchup.