Manchester United predicted XI vs Leeds could look considerably stronger after Michael Carrick welcomed several senior players back into his squad in Ireland. Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Matheus Cunha are among those now available to Carrick, while United face their penultimate pre-season friendly at Croke Park on Wednesday.
United head into the game after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain, when Bryan Mbeumo scored his third goal in two appearances. Mason Mount and Tom Heaton were both forced off, although Carrick later described Mount’s withdrawal as precautionary.
Carrick now has significantly more options. Rashford has joined the squad following his post-World Cup break and could make his first United appearance since December 2024, while Mainoo and Cunha have also linked up with the group.
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Manchester United predicted XI vs Leeds
Predicted XI: Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Santos, Tielemans; Amad, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo.
Senne Lammens could return in goal, while Carrick has another opportunity to assess the battle between Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui at right-back. Leny Yoro also deserves another opportunity alongside Harry Maguire after replacing Ayden Heaven during the PSG draw.
The midfield could be particularly interesting. Youri Tielemans made his United debut from the bench in Gothenburg and should now be ready for more minutes alongside Andrey Santos. Mainoo has only recently returned to training, so Carrick may prefer to introduce him later rather than immediately starting him.
Further forward, Cunha’s return from illness gives United another established option, while Amad and Mbeumo have both strengthened their cases during pre-season. Mbeumo was voted United’s player of the match against PSG after scoring the equaliser.
Rashford is the player who will attract the most attention. The 28-year-old is back in Carrick’s plans and has been training with the group in Ireland, but after only recently returning from his summer break, a place among the substitutes would be the more realistic route back into action. Manchester United’s latest training pictures confirmed Rashford and the returning players have been working ahead of Leeds.
Benjamin Sesko and Matthijs de Ligt are also progressing from injuries, although United have little reason to rush either player with another friendly against AC Milan still to come before the Premier League opener at Hull City.
James Chettle is a journalism graduate from the University of Liverpool with a strong passion for football and digital sports media.
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