Leeds United star left 'devastated' by huge pre-Manchester United blow as team prediction is made with vow

Whites captain Ethan Ampadu has made an honest admission about a huge pre-Manchester United blow but with a vow and prediction.

Ampadu has been in tremendous form during his team’s impressive recent unbeaten run but the skipper will miss Sunday’s huge Premier League hosting of Manchester United having picked up a fifth booking of the season in the New Year’s Day draw at Liverpool.

The caution landed Ampadu a one-game ban and the captain has hit out at the booking for a handball that he felt was harsh, as per boss Daniel Farke’s comments.

The inspirational midfielder admits he is “devastated” to miss Sunday’s contest but made a vow about what the fixture means to the team as he prepares to now support the Whites from the stands.

The captain also hailed his side’s overall display in the goalless draw at Liverpool - predicting that not many teams between now and the end of the season will live Anfield with a clean sheet.

“I am devastated”

Writing in his captain’s column of Sunday’s matchday programme, Ampadu put: “I am devastated not to be involved in today’s game, after picking up what I felt was a harsh yellow card on Thursday.

“Everyone knows what this match means to this football club, it’s by far our biggest rivalry. While I won’t be on the pitch, like you I’ll be supporting the boys from the stands.

“I know everyone will be giving everything to get three points, in what will be an amazing atmosphere to play in.”

Reflecting on the New Year’s Day goalless draw at Anfield, Ampadu said: “At Liverpool, we relished the challenge of going to Anfield to take on the reigning champions. I thought we showed fantastic character throughout and I don’t think many teams will go there between now and the end of the season and keep a clean sheet.”