Manchester United aim to maintain their upwards surge in the Premier League when they travel to face rivals Leeds United on February 8. Last Word on Football puts together a Manchester United Predicted lineup as they hope to get back to winning ways away from home in the league against a struggling Leeds side.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup vs Leeds United
Charging up for #MUNLEE! 🔋
⚡️ @DalotDiogo#MUFC || #PL pic.twitter.com/rexItxFe0q
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 7, 2023
How Manchester United Have Lined-up Recently
Erik ten Hag appears to have found his footing at United and has a better understanding of what combinations can help his side win games on a consistent basis. The Red Devils have adapted well to his change in style and shape, operating smoothly in the 4-3-3 formation that allows for more flexibility among the players.
The Manchester side appears to have a settled back-five after undergoing a lot of troubles last season. Lisandro Martinez has gained a reputation for being one of the best in the Premier League since his arrival and has elevated the performances of Raphael Varane too. David de Gea remains unchallenged in the goal, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw are playing too well to be benched for key games.
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Due to some absentees in midfield, Ten Hag might have to field a new-look trio to take the fight to Leeds. Bruno Fernandes has six goal contributions in as many games and is operating well in his free role. Marcus Rashford is undroppable, while Antony and Wout Weghorst also have settled roles in the team.
Manchester United Recent Form and Tactics
The Red Devils will be heading into the game against The Whites on the back of four wins in a row. They have been in impressive form since the turn of the year, winning eight of their ten games in all competitions so far. However, the only matches they didn’t win were away games – that included a loss to Arsenal and a draw against Crystal Palace.
The visitors will hope to change that with a win at Elland Road, which is always a tough stadium to visit. They are facing a Leeds side that only recently sacked Jesse Marsch and are currently in a transitional period. However, knowing the power of the ‘new manager bounce’, Ten Hag is aware that his side cannot afford to take this challenge lightly.
The Dutch coach has removed the nervous shackles that haunted his team in the previous campaign and made them a lot more entertaining to watch this season. United are able to move the ball from defence into attack much more smoothly, with their defenders playing a key role in that. Even Fred is more confident in moving the ball around, while Fernandes has been working tirelessly to help create chances regularly.
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New boy Marcel Sabitzer is due a full debut against Leeds and will hope to make an impact in this big game. He boasts a wicked shooting ability and has an eye for goal, but will also need to be energetic in midfield to win back possession and move the ball forward smartly. Wan-Bissaka and Shaw are also being given more license to bomb forward in numbers, often situating themselves centrally to drag opposition players out of position.
Rashford, being the player in hot form, will have a lot of eyes on him. He needs to be extremely prolific with the ball and unpredictable with his movement to make a major impact. Antony also needs to focus more on his final product than trickery to get among the goals, while Weghorst has to take his chances clinically to score his first league goal for the Red Devils.
United are likely to dominate the majority of the possession in the game, but it won’t be a walk in the park for them. They can’t afford to be complacent and waste chances, as they must take their opportunities decisively and be alert against the oppositions fast breaks to get back to winning ways away from home in the Premier League.
Manchester United Injuries to Consider
Christian Eriksen is out until May after sustaining an injury last month, while Donny van de Beek is also out for the rest of the season. Scott McTominay is also out of action with a knock, while Casemiro is suspended for the game after getting sent off in their last game against Crystal Palace.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup
David de Gea, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Fred, Marcel Sabitzer, Bruno Fernandes, Antony, Marcus Rashford, Wout Weghorst
