Erik ten Hag has warned his Manchester United side not to underestimate Leeds United when the two sides meet in the Premier League on Wednesday following the sacking of Jesse Marsch.

The American was fired on Monday because Leeds had gone seven league games without a win and were only above the relegation zone because of how many goals they had scored.

Arsenal was the only team United lost to in their last 15 games, all of which were in different leagues.

But before that run began, Unai Emery’s first game in charge, Ten Hag’s team lost to Aston Villa.

“We have to be aware of that,” Ten Hag said on Tuesday. “When Jesse Marsch was in the lead, it was clear how they play. Now it’s possible they change — it’s also possible they don’t change. I think we only will find out on the pitch tomorrow.

“But then we need good anticipation of that. The difference at that time (against Villa) was when Emery came in they had a week, or maybe even longer, to prepare. And now they have not so much time to prepare.”

The traditional rivals will play each other twice in five days. The first game will be at Old Trafford on Wednesday. The second game will be in Leeds on Sunday.

“It’s definitely a big game in this part of England and it’s a big game for us,” said Ten Hag.

“We have Man City, we have Liverpool, but as well for our fans this game means so much and our players are aware of that and they know what to do.”

Casemiro will miss the next three games for Ten Hag because he was sent off in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace last weekend.

If Casemiro can’t play, Marcel Sabitzer could get his first start. He came on as a substitute against Palace after coming on loan from Bayern Munich.

Michael Skubala, the interim manager of Leeds, said at his own press conference before the game that work was well under way to find Marsch’s replacement. Andoni Iraola, who plays for Rayo Vallecano, is thought to be one of the candidates.

Carlos Corberan, the manager of West Brom, used to work for Marcelo Bielsa at Elland Road. He is still the favourite for the job.

“I think it’s every coach’s dream,” Skubala said. “I’ll be up for this as much as the other players and coaching staff. It’s very exciting.

“We have a good staff team. We have 24 hours. We have one session this afternoon that we’ve prepared.

“I think there may be a few little tweaks and differences, but we have to make sure players understand the game plan. We can’t be passive, but we need to be pragmatic.”

 Photo by EPA/ADAM VAUGHAN