Arch-rivals Leeds United and Manchester United will lock horns for the first time since 2011 in a pre-season friendly at Optus Stadium in Perth. The Red Devils won the Carling Cup clash in 2011 by three goals to nil. Manchester United will look to prepare well for the upcoming season as the pressure would be on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after a dreadful end to the last season.
Manchester United recently won 2-0 against Perth Glory, and they are likely to face a sterner test against their traditional rivals. Leeds United showed massive improvements since Marcelo Bielsa took over, but the way they ended their season undid all the good work. Nevertheless, the Whites will look to mount up a better challenge in the Championship, and they can test where they stand against Manchester United. It’s just a pre-season friendly, but we are expecting a cracking encounter.
Team News: It’s difficult to gauge what the team might look like in a pre-season encounter. Solskjaer used as many as 23 players against Perth Glory. He would be keen to find out what’s his best combination is before the Premier League starts. David De Gea is expected to play even though there is some degree of uncertainty regarding his future. Luke Shaw had a hamstring injury against Perth Glory so he might not be risked against the Yorkshire side.
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
David De Gea should start in between the sticks ahead of Sergio Romero. Axel Tuanzebe impressed for Aston Villa on loan last season. The manager might be keen to test him out in the pre-seasons to see whether he can be a plausible option in the Premier League. We are expecting Victor Lindelof to partner the youngster in the heart of the defence.
Summer signing Aaron Wan Bissaka might get his full debut down the right side of the defence after he came on as a substitute against Perth Glory. With Luke Shaw being injured, Diogo Dalot might get the nod to start on the left ahead of Ashley Young.
Midfield
Scott McTominay should get a start in the defensive midfield role. He could be partnered by Andreas Pereira. Out wide on the left, Daniel James, a player who was very close to joining Leeds United, is likely to start for the Manchester giants.
Before the tour started, Paul Pogba dropped a bomb by saying he needs a ‘new challenge’, but he has conducted himself well on tour and will probably get to start in an advanced role in midfield. Jesse Lingard can get a chance to start on the right flank.
Attack
Marcus Rashford is likely to start up front ahead of Romelu Lukaku.
