Leeds United vs Manchester United | Predicted Lineup for the Red Devils

Manchester United travel to Elland Road facing Leeds United this weekend as teams across the Premier League gear up for an intense period over the coming weeks. Having secured a crucial three points against Brighton & Hove Albion in their previous outing, the visitors will be keen on registering consecutive victories as they aim to finish in the top-four at the end of the campaign.

The race for a Champions League spot is set to grow increasingly intriguing over the coming weeks and Ralf Rangnick’s side will be keen on gaining consistency and improving their displays over the remainder of the campaign.

Cristiano Ronaldo — Image Obtained via Evening Standard

There is only a single point gap between fourth-placed United and sixth-placed Arsenal in the Premier League table. So, Manchester United will be cautious and looking to avoid an upset against Leeds United this weekend, as they remain keen on securing Champions League football for the next season.

Amongst the returnees, Paul Pogba is expected to replace Fred in the starting line-up, with Nemanja Matic, Raphael Varane, and Victor Lindelof too, set to push for a starting spot against Marcelo Bielsa’s men on Sunday. Tom Heaton and Edinson Cavani remain unavailable due to injuries, with Rangnick unlikely to make major changes ahead of a European tie against Atletico Madrid next week.

Manchester United Starting XI Against Leeds

Despite a positive change in formation and approach, the team have been delivering questionable performances in the last few games. Rangnick will be keen on prioritising positive results in hopes of securing top-four at the end of the campaign. Considering the team’s demanding schedule over the coming weeks, the Red Devils will be keen on delivering consistent performances moving forward.

Goalkeeper

David De Gea (GK): United’s most consistent performer this season, De Gea is expected to remain between the sticks on Sunday. With the team heavily reliant on his services, the Spaniard is likely to be called into action this weekend.

Defenders

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB): Having lost his place owing to Diogo Dalot’s impressive development under Rangnick, Wan-Bissaka will be keen on making the best of his opportunities. With the manager expected to consider the quick turnover in fixtures for Sunday’s starting line-up, Wan-Bissaka will be looking to push for a starting spot against the Whites.

Raphael Varane (RCB): Expected to retain his place in the starting line-up after missing out against Brighton last weekend, Varane will be key to United’s defensive stability on Sunday. With games approaching quickly, the Frenchman is likely to play a major role in the team’s prospects moving forward.

Harry Maguire (LCB): Yet to deliver a convincing performance this season, the Manchester United defender is expected to retain his place in the starting line-up against Leeds. However, with the manager declaring his desire to integrate Victor Lindelof over the upcoming fixtures, Maguire will be keen on holding onto his spot for the remainder of the season.

Alex Telles (LB): With Shaw likely to be rested for the trip to Madrid, Telles is expected to emerge as United’s starting left-back this weekend. Having tasted his first minutes on the pitch after recovering from Covid-19 against Brighton last weekend, the Brazilian will be keen on regaining his spot in the starting XI over the coming weeks.

Midfielders

Scott McTominay (CDM): Although inconsistent in executing his role efficiently, McTominay will be expected to dominate the midfield on Sunday. With the team in need of an imposing presence in the middle of the park, the Scotsman will be keen on delivering consistent displays moving forward.

Paul Pogba (CM): Having been rested against Brighton, Pogba is expected to retain his place in the starting line-up against Leeds this weekend. With the team looking significantly balanced following his inclusion, the Frenchman will be keen on contributing to the team’s prospects over the coming weeks.

Paul Pogba, Leeds United vs Manchester United — Image Via: ESPN

Bruno Fernandes (CAM): Although enduring a rough spell of form in recent weeks, a winner against Brighton is likely to catalyse Fernandes into delivering impactful performances moving forward. The team are heavily reliant on his presence in the attacking third and the Portuguese will be hopeful in improving his goal contributions in the upcoming games.

Forwards

Anthony Elanga (RW): A fresh addition to the attacking third, Elanga will be hoping to gradually cement his place in the starting line-up over the coming weeks. With Marcus Rashford not expected to be granted a start anytime soon, the Manchester United youngster will be looking to deliver an impactful performance against Leeds.

Jadon Sancho (LW): Amongst the team’s most impactful forwards in recent weeks, Sancho will be keen on improving his goal contributions over the remainder of the season. Having cemented his place in the starting line-up following a challenging start to the season, the youngster will be keen on making his mark on Sunday.

Cristiano Ronaldo (ST): Having finally ended his goal drought against Brighton last weekend, Ronaldo will be keen on making up for lost opportunities over the coming weeks. With the team in need of his leadership and experience, the striker is likely to play a vital role in deciding the team’s prospects over the remainder of the season.