After a draw against 10-man Tottenham, an away defeat to Atletico Madrid in Europe and all of the fallout from the post-match comments, Manchester United have truly picked up their behaviours from before the international break and added even more chaos and disappointment to an already underwhelming start to the season. Up next the small matter of arch-rivals Leeds United at Elland Road, against the team who have started their season brightly, and feel full of confidence in their chances of a victory.

In our preview of the game we are going to take a look at the team news coming into the game including our predicted XI for this one, we will have a look at some of the key battles and players to watch and then of course we will make a prediction for how this one could play out.

If you have any thoughts on how this game might play out, or have any thoughts or opinions on Manchester United’s season in general, get in touch with us on our social media platforms, Bluesky (@NextGoalWinner), Instagram (@NextGoalWin) and our YouTube channel (@NextGoalWinner).

Team News

While injuries remain a huge concern for Carrick, with the likes of Shaw, Mainoo and Dorgu making selection tough in certain roles within the squad, there’s also questions over some injuries to Rashford and possibly even Bruno Fernandes, while fitness and minutes are a question around Amad and Baleba post-injury and Tielemans who has seemed sluggish later in games.

However, the biggest team news question comes around Lisandro Martinez, who after his post-match comments mid-week, he seems to be available to return to the squad without any issues after the matter is dealt with behind the scenes, but Carrick has a huge decision as playing Martinez send a message of unity and pushing past what was said, while his recent form hasn’t warranted guaranteed starts but benching or dropping the Argentine could leave a huge headache for the manager.

Predicted XI: Lammens, Dalot, Martinez, Maguire, Yoro, Baleba, Santos, Cunha, Fernandes, Amad, Mbeumo

Key Battles

The huge threat of Leeds comes from forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin, picked up for a free after leaving Everton last summer, United had themselves been linked with a move but his form has earned a recent England return, and the setup from Farke allows Calvert-Lewin to thrive between the width of the penalty box. With huge questions over United’s defensive setup, lack of options, Martinez’s outburst and their recent errors in conceding goals, United will need to be switch on and prepared for a physical battle, with Maguire being crucial for United in this game.

In the midfield, the link-up between Santos-Baleba-Tielemans had been okay against Atletico, but with the later struggling with sharpness, I think we could see Carrick try Baleba-Santos with Fernandes just ahead. This pairing offers legs and defensive support, while Fernandes can push on and play as a focal point for hold-up play and creating moments. United’s wide attackers of Cunha-Amad will need to be really switched on against Justin and Muharemovic who themselves are an attacking threat for Leeds and will require as much of a defensive effort as the players offer in their creativity in attack.

Prediction

This game could honestly go in any direction, with Leeds starting the season well, Manchester United have been so underwhelming in most games and after the chaotic week once again following their Champions League away game, the Elland Road crowd will be more than up for this one and could certainly play a pivotal role in a tough game for the visitors.

I’m going for a draw as I can’t Imagine Manchester United keeping out the likes of Calvert-Lewin, but I do think there’s been enough positives in the recent games for Carrick’s side to not be completely humiliated in the game and probably we will see this one as a feisty draw which leaves both sides a little underwhelmed but satisfied.

Leeds United 1-1 Manchester United

Don’t forget to share your thoughts with us on our social platforms, and let us know your predictions for this game.