USMNT duo Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie start together once again as Leeds crumble in defeat to Man Utd

• McKennie and Adams start
• Aaronson named to bench
• USMNT boss Hudson in attendence

WHAT HAPPENED? The U.S. men's national team midfield duo returned to the starting XI after featuring against the Red Devils at Old Trafford on Wednesday, with the two sides facing off once again on Sunday at Elland Road.

It's McKennie's second start since joining Leeds in the January transfer window. Fellow American Brenden Aaronson, meanwhile, was named to the bench.

Leeds, though, were thoroughly beaten as Man Utd sealed a 2-0 win that could have been four or five. After a somewhat strong first half, it all collapsed for Leeds in the second half as the team completely unraveled after Marcus Rashford's opener in the 80th minute. Alejandro Garnacho added another five minutes later while Man Utd saw two more ruled out for offside.

HOW THEY GOT ON: Adams and McKennie set a tone early, with both providing crunching tackles in the opening minutes. Adams clattered Jadon Sancho within the opening two minutes before McKennie took down Tyrell Malacia moments later.

Adams lasted the full 90 minutes, providing his usual presence in the midfield, while McKennie struggled a bit before being subbed out in the 86th minute with a yellow card to his name.

Aaronson, meanwhile, made little impact after replacing fellow MLS product Jack Harrison in the 73rd minute.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: USMNT interim manager Anthony Hudson was in Leeds as part of his European scouting trip. Hudson is traveling all over Europe to connect with some of the USMNT's big stars, with this stop in Leeds one of the big games he'll be attending in the coming days.

The situation in Leeds, though, will be most concerning among the USMNT stars as the club now maintains just a one-point gap between themselves and the relegation zone.

IN THREE PHOTOS:

Getty

Getty Images

Getty Images

WHAT NEXT FOR LEEDS AND USMNT? Hudson and staff will continue their trip around Europe over the next week as the U.S. look ahead to the return of the Nations League in March.