Manchester United will cross swords with Leeds United in their Premier League opener on Saturday in what is anticipated to be a blockbuster game between two bitter rivals.
The Red Devils have shown signs of progression under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer—finishing third in 2019/20 and runners-up last season. However, Solskjaer’s side are yet to win a trophy so far having lost the Europa League final to Villarreal on penalty shootouts in May.
The Mancunian giants have had a stop-start pre-season due to a Covid-19 outbreak in the camp that saw their friendly with Preston North End being cancelled. Nevertheless, they head into this game off the back of a resounding 4-0 friendly victory over Everton at Old Trafford.
Leeds United, on the other hand, enjoyed a brilliant return to the top-flight last season, finishing ninth on the table. Marcelo Bielsa’s team captivated the neutrals with a high-pressing, slick passing, and creative brand of football.
The Whites won just once in their six pre-season friendly games, drawing two and losing three, but knowing the fact that they were thumped 6-2 in the same fixture last season, they are expected to be ready for the challenge on Saturday.
Manchester United vs Leeds United: Team News
Manchester United
New signing Jadon Sancho could be in contention to make his Manchester United debut this weekend after enjoying a week’s training with his new teammates. But the participation of Raphael Varane remains in doubt, as the Frenchman’s signing is officially yet to be announced by the club.
Dean Henderson and Jesse Lingard are set to miss the game with Covid-19 problems, while Edinson Cavani returned to Manchester on Thursday after a long break following his international commitments with Uruguay. Marcus Rashford and Alex Telles are long-term absentees for the Red Devils.
With Henderson still suffering fatigue after contracting Covid-19, David de Gea will start between the sticks on Saturday. The back four of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, and Luke Shaw, that started the friendly against Everton, are expected to retain their places in Solskjaer’s starting XI.
Nemanja Matic had a solid pre-season and should anchor the midfield along with Scott McTominay, who netted twice in the 6-2 win over Leeds last December. Bruno Fernandes will start in his preferred no.10 role and link play with his passing and movement.
Anthony Martial could lead the Manchester United attack with Daniel James and Mason Greenwood on either flank.
Leeds United
Diego Llorente isn’t available due to a knee injury, but Jamie Shackleton has recovered from his head injury suffered in the Whites’ penultimate friendly against Ajax.
Summer signing from Barcelona, Junior Firpo is fit for the trip to Old Trafford after missing Leeds’ final two pre-season friendlies.
Illan Meslier is Leeds’ undisputed first-choice in goal. He’ll likely have a back four of Luke Ayling, Robin Koch, Liam Cooper, and Stuart Dallas ahead of him. Kalvin Phillips is a certain starter in midfield due to his excellent passing and interception skills.
Raphinha was a revelation in his maiden Premier League campaign, impressing with his pace, flair, movement, and goalscoring ability. He’ll start on the right flank, with Jack Harrison finding himself in his preferred left-wing role. Rodrigo and Mateusz Klich will complete Leeds’ midfield.
Patrick Bamford led the Whites’ attack very well last season and he’ll be tasked with the same in the season opener against Solskjaer’s side.
Manchester United vs Leeds United: Predicted Lineups
Manchester United (4-2-3-1)
David de Gea; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw; Nemanja Matic, Scott McTominay; Daniel James, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Greenwood; Anthony Martial.
Leeds United (4-1-4-1)
Illan Meslier; Luke Ayling, Robin Koch, Liam Cooper, Stuart Dallas; Kalvin Phillips; Raphinha, Rodrigo, Mateusz Klich, Jack Harrison; Patrick Bamford.
Manchester United vs Leeds United: Key Players
Manchester United—Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes is the beating heart of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United team. One of the best playmakers in the division, the Portuguese international can cause Leeds’ backline all kinds of problems with his incisive through balls, long-range shooting, and set-piece expertise.
Leeds United—Raphinha
Raphinha was a pure joy to watch last season due to his silky dribbling skills, smart movement, burst of pace, and unpredictability. At full tilt, the Brazilian winger can be unstoppable and he’ll pose the biggest threat to the Red Devils.