Three points separate Manchester United from a return to the Premier League’s top four ahead of a first trip to Elland Road in three seasons.
Ruben Amorim’s men will face a Leeds side unbeaten in their previous six outings (W2, D4), motivated by an encouraging upturn in performances under Daniel Farke.
Despite a relentless social agenda aimed at the former Sporting chief, United have also enjoyed a largely positive run, enduring only two defeats from 13 games since the turn of October. (W6, D5, L2)
But an abject showing during a disappointing draw with Wolves left a sour taste in the mouths of many, once more highlighting the soft underbelly within this group.
Still, victory on Sunday can supply the momentum for a fresh start to a new year, with ample possibilities within the most unpredictable of domestic campaigns.
Manchester United Team News
Although there were little to no positives to take from a troubling performance on Tuesday, Amorim did have to contend with a barrage of absentees through injury and international duty.
Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire were all sidelined with various setbacks, and the Portuguese is not expecting to recall any of them this weekend.
“We are going [with] no [fresh] issues, no different issues,” he stated ahead of the Sunday outing.
“We’re going to see tomorrow, we have one more training. I don’t think so – that anyone is going to recover, but we’ll see.”
Bryan Mbeumo, Amad and Noussair Mazraoui are also unavailable for selection due to their participation in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.
In turn, the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha must stand up and shoulder the burden of leading a struggling Manchester attack.
“I think we are playing better when we have the full squad,” Ruben continued.
“It is clear that we are attacking better. We are not being good enough in the details. We should have more points in the moment, but, of course, we want always more.
“We should have more points in the table.”
Say what you will about form, but recent trips to Leeds have proven routine for various United sides, with the last defeat coming in September 2002.
Furthermore, the Reds are unbeaten in 25 fixtures against newly promoted sides (W22, D3) since a 4-1 defeat against Watford at Vicarage Road in November 2021.
The travelling contingent will embrace a hostile environment on Sunday afternoon. Let’s hope the players can reward them with a memorable response.
Predicted Manchester United starting XI: (3-4-2-1): Lammens; Martinez, Heaven, Shaw; Dalot, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu; Fletcher, Cunha; Sesko.
Will United improve upon their impressive form against the old enemy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our socials.
Photo by operations@newsimages.co.uk via depositphotos.com.
Recent Posts
- The forgotten slow start to a glorious Manchester United campaign
- Manchester United officials retain confidence in Project 150 strategy
- Manchester United Supporters’ Club retain desire for change of ownership
