Predicted XI vs Leeds

By Dara O'Brien, published on 13/08/21

Ahead of this Saturday’s highly anticipated matchup between Manchester United and Leeds, I thought now is the perfect time to look into what to expect from United in terms of our starting XI.

Unfortunately, while it was expected that Ole and his squad would have a full preseason (unlike last year), that has not come to fruition with a large portion of the squad returning from international duty late, new signings Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane yet to join up with the rest of the squad and Marcus Rashford being ruled out through injury. With all this considered, there’s no doubt that the team United will play vs Leeds will be severely weakened. It is now up to Ole and his coaches to select a team capable of breaking Leeds down while being able to deal with their energy and tempo.

Without further ado, let’s get into the selection.

• Formation and system: 4-2-3-1.

Despite rumours of Ole wanting to switch to a 4-3-3 this season, there’s no way that he will be able to play it on the opening day for many reasons. It will most likely be the traditional 4-2-3-1 formation for United this weekend, one that we’ve become used to seeing in recent years.

• Goalkeeper: David De Gea

This choice is somewhat a no-brainer. With Dean Henderson out with COVID-19, Tom Heaton stands to be the only alternative to David De Gea to play between the sticks, and the chances are that he won’t be selected over the Spaniard.

• Right-back: Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Also a no-brainer. Wan-Bissaka was one of the only senior players not to have gone on international duty this summer and was able to have a full preseason, adding to the fact that he’s currently without a rival for the right-back spot. His defensive ability should be crucial to thwarting Leeds’ dangerous counter-attacks

• Right-sided CB: Victor Lindelöf

Despite the recent signing of Raphaël Varane, it looks like it will be Victor Lindelöf the one playing against Leeds on Saturday. Due to delays Varane had to endure getting his Visa, he flew in later than expected, allowing Lindelöf to keep his place for the Leeds game, at least.

• Left-sided CB: Harry Maguire

With Maguire returning to training on 2nd of August, he’s now had enough time to settle in and get minutes in last Saturday’s friendly against Everton. Apart from that, nothing else needs to be said; Maguire is one of this team’s most important players.

• Left-back: Luke Shaw

Despite the news that Luke Shaw had played EURO 2020 with a broken rib, it is now apparent that he will be able to feature against Leeds. Similarly to Maguire, nothing more needs to be said other than the fact that he’s able to play; he’s a nailed-on starter

• Midfield pairing (pivot): Scott McTominay and Fred

Although the pairing of Nemanja Matic and Donny Van De Beek played brilliantly together versus Everton on Saturday, it could be a disastrous decision to play the two against Leeds this weekend. With Matic’s legs not being in the place they once were, and Van De Beek’s style of play not suited to face Leeds, Ole will surely go with the tried and tested “McFred”. McTominay and Fred’s combination of physicality and energy is ideal for a game against the high-pressing, high-intensity Leeds United. The two midfielders have also had plenty of time back training with the squad to prepare for the season.

• Right-winger: Mason Greenwood.

There are many reasons for Ole to select Greenwood for United’s opener: his scintillating form in preseason, the freshness he has gained from staying with the club all summer and the limited freshness of Jadon Sancho, who only started training on Monday. Greenwood will strike fear

into the hearts of the Leeds defence; his pace, power, two-footedness, footballing IQ and finishing ability make him one of the scariest attackers in the country. On the other hand, although it is being reported that Sancho will not start, you cannot rule it out. These things have happened under Ole before, and with five days of training under his belt, Sancho has a chance of making a surprise addition to the starting XI, however my prediction is still for Mason Greenwood to start.

• Attacking-midfielder: Bruno Fernandes

Following his brilliant performance against Everton in which he scored a gorgeous free-kick, Bruno Fernandes will no doubt be one of the first names on Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s team sheet for the Leeds match. I could talk about Bruno Fernandes and his qualities for hours, but in the end it’s very simple: barring disaster, Bruno Fernandes will be starting for Man United in big games.

• Left-winger: Daniel James

Daniel James is a player that is suited brilliantly to play against Leeds. The energy he provides will be crucial to both exploiting Leeds’ occasionally exposed back-line and tracking runners that Leeds will send forward. James will also be quite fresh after returning to United training early than a lot of the other senior players.

• Centre-forward: Anthony Martial

Fans will be desperate to see a resurgence in form for Martial this season after a disappointing 20/21 campaign for the Frenchman. He’ll be looking to get off on the right foot on Saturday against Leeds, where he looks likely to start. You could put this down to the absence of Edinson Cavani, but with Martial up front, there’s always a chance you’ll get something special.

So, if these predictions are correct then we will be seeing a team of that in the image below:

If this team is selected (hopefully it will be), then I think we have every chance of both breaking Leeds down while attacking and dealing with their high energy and counter-attacks. Hopefully Ole and the players can get the job done on Saturday; I can’t think of many better ways to begin a campaign than beating Leeds United in front of the first full Old Trafford crowd we’ve seen in over a year.