Manchester United are aiming to recover from their miserable draw with last-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers when they visit Leeds United on Sunday afternoon.
The Red Devils travel to their historic rivals having handed Wolves only their third point of the Premier League season midweek, with Ruben Amorim’s return to his much-maligned three at the back system proving unsuccessful. The Portuguese coach will be tempted to field a back four at Elland Road, as he did in victory over Newcastle United on Boxing Day.
Amorim is without an array of stars for the trip to in-form Leeds and will be desperate for key personnel to return from international duty and injury as soon as possible. For now, however, he must cope with his skeleton crew.
Here is how Man Utd could line up in Yorkshire.
Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Leeds (4-2-3-1)
GK: Senne Lammens—Made some important saves against Wolves to prevent a disappointing 1–1 draw from turning into a disastrous defeat and will expect to be worked by Leeds, who have scored three or more in each of their past three homes games.
RB: Diogo Dalot—Dalot is certainly more suited to playing in a back four as a right back than when tasked with operating in a wing back role. The Portugal international is hardly the most inspiring attacking presence.
CB: Ayden Heaven—The youngster has been handed a surprise run of starts following injuries to Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire, improving with each passing week. He was integral in Man Utd’s goal against Wolves and has sharpened up defensively.
CB: Lisandro Martínez—Martínez is still being managed after such a lengthy injury layoff but his recent return is timely given the absence of two natural leaders at the back.
LB: Luke Shaw—Another who looked happy to return to his orthodox defensive role against Newcastle, Shaw could earn another start at left back if Amorim reverts to a back four.
DM: Casemiro—Casemiro would love to be playing alongside a more creative presence in midfield, but the Brazilian will continue to conduct himself impressively as Man Utd’s screening midfielder.
DM: Manuel Ugarte—Bruno Fernandes is sorely missed and the absence of Kobbie Mainoo means another start for Manuel Ugarte, who continues to look a shadow of the £50 million ($67.3 million) midfielder Man Utd thought they were signing.
RW: Patrick Dorgu—A shock move to right wing paid dividends against Newcastle as Dorgu volleyed home the winner and with Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo still missing at the Africa Cup of Nations, the left back is the best option Amorim possesses.
AM: Joshua Zirkzee—Zirkzee’s deflected strike against Wolves was his second Premier League goal of the season, but it couldn’t prevent him from being hooked at half time. Unfortunately, Amorim has few other options in his attack.
LW: Matheus Cunha—Amorim desperately needs Cunha to step up in the absence of Fernandes and Co., but the Brazilian has produced muted performances against Newcastle and former club Wolves.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Leeds: Tactical Tweak Required After Wolves Disaster.
