Manchester United‘s hectic run of February fixtures continues away to bitter rivals Leeds United later today, with Erik ten Hag’s side hoping for an improved performance following the disappointing 2-2 draw against the managerless Whites at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
That thrilling, end-to-end encounter saw the Red Devils get off to a slow start in either half, having been forced to come from two goals down to secure a point amid what was a frantic finale on the night.
Despite the continued optimism that is surrounding United at present – with the Carabao Cup final looming – the club are enduring something of a mixed run of form in the Premier League at present, having won just one of their last four games in the competition.
With both Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur dropping points on Saturday, it has given Ten Hag’s men the ideal chance to strengthen their place in the top four this afternoon, albeit with the former Ajax boss set to be without the suspended Casemiro once again, while Anthony Martial, Scott McTominay and Antony are also not expected to be involved due to injury.
With those absentees in mind, Football FanCast predicts that the Dutchman will make four changes from the side that was held in midweek, with notable alterations potentially set to lie in the attacking ranks…
Despite the importance of today’s meeting in Yorkshire, Ten Hag may also have one eye on Thursday’s pivotal away trip to Barcelona in the Europa League, hence the possibility that the 53-year-old will somewhat shuffle his pack.
One notable alteration could see Aaron Wan-Bissaka return at right-back in place of Diogo Dalot, provided the Englishman has recovered from illness, while club captain Harry Maguire – who scored in this meeting last season – could replace Raphael Varane in the centre of the defence, with the “world-class” asset, as lauded by journalist Samuel Luckhurst, no doubt a figure needing to be managed ahead of the upcoming Camp Nou showdown.
As for the midfield, the lack of alternatives should see Bruno Fernandes, Marcel Sabitzer and Fred form something of a makeshift trio once again, even though the latter man distinctly underwhelmed last time out.
Further tactical tweaks should well be in order in the forward line, with both Alejandro Garnacho and Wout Weghorst set to make way, with the towering Dutchman having looked “out of kilter” with his teammates on Wednesday, as per Luckhurst.
That should see man of the moment Marcus Rashford deployed in a central berth, with the wide roles potentially set to be taken up by Facundo Pellistri and Jadon Sancho, following the latter man’s timely equaliser in midweek.
Having endured a difficult time at the Theatre of Dreams to date – after previously proving a “revelation” at Borussia Dortmund according to ex-United ace Paul Ince – Sancho will be looking to make up for lost time this afternoon.
Predicted Man Utd XI (4-3-3): De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Fred, Sabitzer, Fernandes; Pellistri, Rashford, Sancho.
Source: footballfancast.com
