Manchester United will travel to Elland Road to face bitter rivals Leeds United today in what is an eagerly awaited Premier League encounter.
A Bruno Fernandes hat-trick inspired the Red Devils to a smashing 5-1 home win over Marcelo Bielsa’s Whites on the opening weekend of the new campaign. The visitors, who beat 10-man Brighton 2-0 in midweek at Old Trafford, will aim to do a double over their arch-rivals at the weekend and consolidate their position in the top four.
However, Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds will be doing everything possible to atone their 5-1 hammering at Old Trafford back in August.
Manchester United Team News
Edinson Cavani is still unavailable, despite returning to training. He may hope to return for the trip to Wanda Metropolitano to face Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 in midweek.
Tom Heaton is also not fit, but there is a triple-injury boost for Ralf Rangnick as Raphael Varane, Eric Bailly and Nemanja Matic are all available for selection.
Predicted Man United Lineup vs Leeds United (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
David de Gea’s aim will be shutting the shop as quickly as possible at Elland Road. The Spaniard’s confidence should have been boosted after Man United’s 2-0 victory over Brighton earlier this week.
Defence
Raphael Varane is fully fit after missing the midweek game against Brighton due to a stomach problem. The Frenchman should walk straight into Rangnick’s starting XI, replacing Victor Lindelof in central defence. He will partner skipper Harry Maguire, with Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw likely retaining their places in the full-back positions in the Man United lineup.
Man United’s entire backline, along with goalkeeper De Gea, must keep things tight at Elland Road if they wish to return home with a clean sheet.
Midfield
Moving into midfield, Rangnick is expected to persist with the three-man set-up, led by Scott McTominay. The Scotsman offers impressive work ethic, energy and physicality in midfield and his presence will allow Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes to do the damage in the final third.
Attack
From the first minute, the Man United forwards will aim to put pressure on a Leeds United defence that has struggled to cope with opposition attackers throughout the season.
Cristiano Ronaldo will spearhead the Man United lineup, hoping to make it back-to-back league goals. Jadon Sancho is finally starting to show his true worth in United colours and should be expected to offer adequate support in the final third.
On the right in the Man United lineup, Rangnick may consider bringing in Marcus Rashford for more potency in attack against the Whites.