One of the games of the opening round of Premier League fixtures, Manchester United and Leeds resume rivalries once more with both sides keen to lay down an early marker. United fans are hoping for a repeat of this game last season as they ran out 6-2 winners back in December.
Ahead of this clash, we provide all the necessary pre-match information, including what time the game kicks off, where to watch the match, team news and probable XIs...
When is kick off?
Saturday 14th August, 12:30 GMT
Where is the match?
Old Trafford, Manchester
What TV channel is it on?
BT Sport 1
2020/21 Season Recap
Manchester United may have finished the season as the second best team in England, yet they were streaks behind rivals Manchester City as they ended 2020/21 12 points off the champions. The issue was the inability to turn one point into three as only Brighton (14) and relegated Fulham (13) drew more games than United (11) in the Premier League last season.
After a lengthy stint away from the Premier League, Leeds made a fine impact following their return to England's top tier. Supporters would have taken a top half finish prior to the start of the season and to have finished within two points of Premier League heavyweights Arsenal is a testament to Marcelo Bielsa's fine work in Yorkshire. Their ninth-placed finish is the perfect foundation to build upon.
Team News
Number one Dean Henderson is suffering from long-COVID and that should see David De Gea feature between the sticks against Leeds. Jesse Lingard has also tested positive for COVID-19 and must self-isolate, while Eric Bailly, Edinson Cavani and Amad Diallo must serve a period of isolation as per government protocols. Summer signing Raphael Varane will play no part here, but fellow new arrival Jadon Sancho could feature. Phil Jones, Alex Telles and Marcus Rashford are all sidelined and with a lack of options in the final third, Anthony Martial, who himself has only recently returned from injury, is set to lead the charge.
Leeds don't have the same issues as Manchester United, but the Whites are sweating on the fitness of summer capture Junior Firpo. Given the departure Ezgjan Alioski, Stuart Dallas may, therefore, deputise at left-back. Jamie Shakleton and Diego Llorente will also be assessed ahead of the trip to Manchester. Kalvin Phillips has only recently returned to training, and that could see Robin Koch start in midfield.
Probable XIs
Man Utd (433) - De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw; Fernandes, Matic, Pogba; Greenwood, Martial, James
Leeds (451) - Meslier; Ayling, Struijk, Cooper, Dallas; Raphinha, Rodrigo, Koch, Klich, Harrison; Bamford
Key Battle: Bruno Fernandes vs Raphinha
Bruno Fernandes had a direct hand in 30 league goals for Manchester United last season, and his 18 goals was more than any other central midfielder in Europe's top five leagues in 2020/21. As one of three players to return double figures for both goals and assists, fans are expecting another stand out campaign from the Portugal star, starting with the welcome of Leeds.
Raphinha was one of the best rated new arrivals last season as the winger took to the rigours of Premier League football with ease. With a season under his belt, fans can hope for bigger and better things from the Brazilian in England's top tier this term. Raphinha provided two assists in this fixture last season, albeit in a 6-2 defeat, but he is Leeds' dangerman at Old Trafford once more.
Score Prediction: Man Utd 2-1 Leeds
