- Manchester United face Leeds on Monday
- Michael Carrick has several decisions to make
- Can the Reds get back to winning ways?
Manchester United are finally in action again when they face Leeds United on Monday (April 13th). The Reds sat out last weekend’s FA Cup quarter-finals after March’s international break.
A 2-2 draw against Bournemouth came 24 days ago, and Michael Carrick has taken his squad to Dublin in that time. The players spent four days training in the Republic of Ireland this week as they look to seal UEFA Champions League qualification.
Carrick’s United can move one step closer to returning to Europe’s elite club competition with a win over Leeds. They head into the game third, seven points above sixth-placed Chelsea who face Manchester City on Sunday.
Daniel Farke’s Peacocks are embroiled in a relegation battle and will be desperate to pick up at least a point. The Elland Road outfit are 15th in the league, three points above 18th-placed Tottenham Hotspur.
Manchester United Team News
Carrick gave a pre-match press conference on Saturday ahead of Monday’s game and had good news regarding Lisandro Martinez. The Argentine defender is back on the grass and trained with the squad in Dublin.
The United coach refused to confirm whether he’ll play against Leeds, but Harry Maguire’s suspension could see him recalled immediately. He’s been sidelined since February with a calf problem.
Matthijs de Ligt won’t be available, and Carrick suggested it could take some time before he’s back on the pitch. The Dutch defender has been recovering from a back injury sustained back in December.
Patrick Dorgu is also unavailable, although he’s stepped up his recovery from a hamstring injury suffered in a 3-2 win over Arsenal in January. Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo pulled out of international duty but are expected to be fit to face Leeds.
Diogo Dalot didn’t make the trip to Dublin due to illness, but the club are confident he’s ready for Monday’s game. Defence is where Carrick has decisions to make, especially with Maguire serving a one-match ban after a red card in the Bournemouth game.
Expected XI
There’s no doubt Senne Lammens will start in goal. Hopefully, Dalot is fit to line up in a back four alongside Leny Yoro, Martinez and Luke Shaw.
Martinez should start if he’s fit, as Carrick is without its other experienced centre-backs, Maguire and De Ligt. He doesn’t have any issues in the middle of the park, though, as Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo returned from international duty fresh.
Bruno Fernandes will continue to chase the assist record just ahead of the midfield duo. Amad Diallo might be given a start with Mbeumo on the bench to allow him to continue resting amid a slight drop in form.
Benjamin Sesko should lead the line with Matheus Cunha out on the left. The pair have worked well together and adding the more direct Amad to a front three could make for exciting viewing.
Manchester United Expected XI: Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo, Fernandes; Amad, Sesko, Cunha
Prediction
Carrick is so close to taking United back to Champions League nights and he’ll be eager for his side to get back to winning ways after the Bournemouth draw. It won’t be easy against a Leeds side battling for survival but the Reds should be too strong on the night.
Sesko to open the scoring with Mbeumo coming off the bench to finally get back on the scoresheet. There should be slight scares as a one-nil lead doesn’t turn into two until the last 20 minutes.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Leeds
