Predicted Man United line-up vs Leeds: Player who’s recorded 13 open-play chances returns to XI

Manchester United are undergoing their final preparations ahead of facing arch-rivals Leeds United tomorrow.

Kick-off is pencilled in for 2pm at Elland Road, where the Red Devils are unbeaten in their last five visits.

How are United and Leeds faring?

Yet, the two sides’ form since the campaign got underway has vastly differed.

Whereas United sustained their first defeat of the season on the opening day against newly-promoted Hull City, Leeds only suffered theirs last time out away to Arsenal.

They sit seventh in the table, having overseen two wins, three draws and a loss, while United enter matchweek seven in 13th place after playing out one win, three draws and two defeats.

Such lacklustre showings have led to Carrick being linked with a premature exit from the Old Trafford dugout, though it is said that the club are ready to stand by him and be patient, which some would argue is only fair given how poorly he was backed in the summer window.

For example, INEOS opting against signing any defenders led to 20-year-old centre-half Ayden Heaven being deployed at left-back against Atletico Madrid midweek due to Luke Shaw, Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui all being injured.

United’s team news and predicted line-up

In regard to the options Carrick will be bringing to Yorkshire, he confirmed yesterday that Dorgu and Benjamin Sesko remain unavailable, as well as long-term absentee Manuel Ugarte.

Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo’s involvement is up in the air, so they will presumably have to undergo late fitness tests to determine whether they can feature, whereas Mazraoui is poised to make his return after missing the last two outings.

Predicted XI: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Mainoo, Baleba; Rashford, Fernandes, Mbeumo; Cunha.