Leeds United news as pundit hammers Ilan Meslier for failing the ‘basics’ in Fulham defeat

Cascarino on Meslier

Ilan Meslier’s role in both goals in Leeds United’s defeat at Fulham on Saturday has been criticised by Tony Cascarino. The talkSPORT pundit believes the 23-year-old failed on the ‘basics’ of catching the ball on both occasions.

Cascarino told talkSPORT: “He’s six foot what? Six, seven? He’s a huge man, and it was quite comfortable for the first goal they conceded.

“I thought he literally could have plucked that out of the air. The second one, he has palmed it down when it is again catching the ball.

“These are basic things for goalkeepers. Now, we scrutinise goalkeepers more than every other position because they’re called upon, they have to make big saves.

Cascarino added: “The two goals they conceded ended up with Leeds getting nothing out of the game, and keeping themselves just above the relegation zone. Meslier, I’ve liked him, he’s a young French goalkeeper that’s been progressing.

“I know he’s conceded loads and loads of goals, but it’s just basics. Catch the ball.”

Promotion goal for U21s

Promotion for Leeds United U21s wasn’t to be this weekend, but assistant coach Michal Pujdak insists his players will be ready to get the job done on Friday afternoon.

“We started not in the way that we wanted to, obviously we conceded the first goal,” Pujdak told LUTV. “But, it was a really good reaction from the players, to score three goals after conceding early is always a positive.

“We won the game so we’re very happy and pleased. Obviously we know what we need to do going into the next game. We’re going to be ready and we’re looking forward to it.”

Contract decisions

Leeds United only have two players out of contract at the end of the season, although they do have Weston McKennie’s future to decide on.

McKennie joined the Whites on loan until the end of the season from Juventus in January, and have an option to make the deal permanent in the summer.

The American is set to cost £34.3 million, although a permanent deal will is likely to depend on many factors, including if Leeds are still in the Premier League, and who will be in the dugout next season.

There is also a case to suggest that McKennie has struggled to impress in a Leeds shirt, especially in the recent defeats to Crystal Palace and Liverpool respectively.

But in terms of those with their deals running out, there is perhaps less of a headache, especially since Leeds triggered a one-year extension to Luke Ayling’s contract back in February.

With that in mind, LeedsLive have rounded up every player who is out of contract this summer.