What Preston North End’s local media are saying about Sam Greenwood as Leeds loanee suffers debut defeat

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Leeds United loanee Sam Greenwood was handed his full debut for Preston North End on Friday night.

Greenwood played 64 minutes as PNE were comfortably swept aside 2-0 by Sheffield United at Deepdale, in what was a worrying opening day performance by Ryan Lowe’s side.

This is Greenwood’s second consecutive season out on loan from Elland Road, having spent the 2023/24 campaign at Middlesbrough.

Despite having an option-to-buy Greenwood this summer, Boro opted against signing him permanently following a really poor final few months at the Riverside.

The 22-year-old did not register a single goal or assist from mid-January onwards, but will be hoping he can use that loan spell at Boro to improve in Lancashire.

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PNE media deliver verdict on Leeds loanee Greenwood

Under Michael Carrick at Boro, Greenwood spent much of the season playing as part of a front four, either centrally or off the left.

Many of his appearances for Leeds actually came as more of a deeper midfielder, though it became clear straight away he was not comfortable in that position.

Greenwood is still really trying to nail down his best role and on his debut for North End, he played as part of a midfield three, with somewhat of a license to get forward.

However, according to the Lancashire Evening News‘ post-match player ratings piece, Greenwood did not enjoy the most successful of debuts.

They claim although Greenwood was prepared to ‘put himself about’, his impact on the match was very limited up against a very strong Sheffield United midfield.

He said: “Sam Greenwood – 5. Put himself about but was on the fringes of the contest. Did send a shot into the side netting shortly after the restart, after some nice box movement.”

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PNE loan is Greenwood’s last chance at Leeds

Given how his time at Boro went, Greenwood was never going to be welcomed back into the fold by Farke.

All of the concerns that Leeds had regarding his consistency, best position and ability still remained after 12 months of regular football, which is a little worrying.

Once his loan spell at Deepdale is over at the end of the season, Greenwood will have just 12 months remaining on his deal at Leeds.

If he doesn’t show enough, it will be time for Leeds to cut their losses and sell him. On the other hand, a positive loan could tempt the Whites into handing him a new contract. It’s a big season for him.