Leeds vs. Man Utd: Everything You Need to Know Before the Epic Showdown

Manchester United seldom enjoy the prospect of heading to Elland Road to take on bitter rivals Leeds United, but this Sunday's fixture could scarcely arrive at a more difficult moment for the Red Devils.

There is little question that Man Utd are a club in deep turmoil.

Michael Carrick's men sit 13th in the table going into the weekend and have gone more than a month without tasting victory across all competitions. Tensions came to a head following a Champions League loss to Atlético Madrid, after which defender Lisandro Martínez openly criticized the club's leadership.

While Martínez has since faced formal disciplinary action, the fallout from the episode is unlikely to fade quickly. His remarks hardly suggest a united dressing room, and a hostile atmosphere at Elland Road is unlikely to offer the perfect tonic for Carrick's misfiring squad.

Meanwhile, Daniel Farke's resolute Leeds side have shown plenty of character this season. After pushing Arsenal close last weekend, the hosts will be keen to build on that display and bolster their case as genuine contenders for a European spot.

Given United's recent woes, another testing afternoon could be in store for the visitors.

Leeds vs. Man Utd Score Prediction

Leeds Pour Salt in Man Utd Wounds

Last season, Leeds held Man Utd to a 1–1 stalemate at Elland Road before going on to defeat their rivals at Old Trafford later in the campaign.

With Farke's squad looking noticeably stronger than they did last term, partly due to astute summer recruitment, and riding a solid wave of form, the hosts will back themselves to extend that unbeaten record against the Red Devils.

That said, even amid their current difficulties, Man Utd carry enough quality to trouble Leeds, particularly through skipper Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese playmaker has a knack for performing against the Whites, racking up nine goal contributions in seven Premier League outings against them.

Prediction: Leeds United 2–1 Manchester United

Leeds Predicted Lineup vs. Man Utd

Leeds have no new injury worries ahead of their meeting with Man Utd, meaning Daniel Farke could name an unchanged side from the defeat to Arsenal and draw with Crystal Palace.

That would see James Trafford start between the posts behind a back three of Tarik Muharemović, Nico Elvedi and James Justin, with Gabriel Gudmundsson and Jaden Bogle deployed as wingbacks.

Anton Stach, Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu are set to make up the midfield three, while Calvert-Lewin leads the attack with Noah Okafor providing support.

Leeds predicted lineup vs. Man Utd (3-4-2-1): Trafford; Justin, Elvedi, Muharemović; Bogle, Ampadu, Tanaka, Stach, Justin; Okafor, Calvert-Lewin.

Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Leeds

As noted above, Martínez is expected to be dropped from the starting eleven, opening the door for Yoro to partner Harry Maguire at the center of United's backline.

Elsewhere, off the back of an impressive cameo in the draw with Tottenham, Carlos Baleba could be handed his first Premier League start for United in place of the out-of-form Youri Tielemans. He would line up alongside Kobbie Mainoo in central midfield as Carrick seeks a more effective combination in the engine room.

Benjamin Šeško remains out through injury, meaning Bryan Mbeumo is all but certain to lead the attack, with Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo operating in support behind him.

Man Utd predicted lineup vs. Leeds (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Mainoo, Baleba; Amad, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo.

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