Derby 2, Leeds 0
Assistant manager Gus Poyet predicted a summer of change after Leeds bade farewell to Championship football with their 26th defeat of the season at Derby yesterday.
With nothing at stake and next season in mind, United lost to goals near the end of each half by Darren Currie and Tyrone Mears.
Manager Dennis Wise took the opportunity to give some of his promising youngsters a chance, with Robert Bayly making his first start in midfield while Fabian Delph, Tom Elliott and Jonny Howson all left the bench.
Bayly paid the price for his aggression when he was shown a red card with 20 minutes left for shaping up to head-butt Craig Fagan, who had fouled him. United were angered by the dismissal which leaves Bayly suspended at the start of next season, barring a successful appeal.
United's relegation, coupled with the need to reduce the wage bill, means youth will be given its chance in League One and Poyet confirmed: "There will be big changes in the summer. We are looking for young legs and the right blend."
Prize asset David Healy did not play yesterday. Asked if the Irishman would be sold, Poyet said: "Personally I can't see him staying, as he is the top scorer in the European Championship qualifiers, but I don't know."
Healy looks set for a move into the Premiership and there will be plenty of other departures as loan players return to their clubs and high earners are sacrificed.
Poyet said: "I was pleased with the young players. Delph can have a big future if he continues to progress, so people like him will get their chance."
Wise and Poyet will again be in charge next season if Ken Bates' new company is approved by the club's creditors after Friday's buy-out.
With United suffering a deduction of ten points for going into administration, they were certain to finish bottom of the table regardless of yesterday's outcome and, with Derby assured of a place in the play-offs, the match was inevitably disappointing.
United did not have a shot on target in the first half and, although Alan Thompson twice went close after the break, Derby never looked in danger of defeat.
There was even the novelty of striker Richard Cresswell switching into central defence for United after the interval and, for the most part, he was untroubled in his unaccustomed role.
Referee Phil Crossley was the game's first casualty when he injured his back in a collision and was taken to hospital. Play was held up for ten minutes while the official was treated on the field before being replaced.
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