Man United will look to put the disappointment of their draw with Wolves behind them today when they face Leeds in the Premier League.
Amorim’s tactics remain a big talking point
It wasn’t the end to 2025 that Manchester United had hoped for on Tuesday as they drew 1-1 with basement boys Wolves, but today they have the chance to start the new year with a bang away at Leeds. Ruben Amorim is preparing for his first taste of the fierce rivalry between United and Leeds, but he will do so without some of his key players.
The United boss confirmed on Friday that Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount remain sidelined through injury, as do Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt. Noussair Mazraoui, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad are all still away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Senne Lammens will continue in goal but the drab performance at Wolves could see a change in tactics from Amorim. The back four system that worked so well against Newcastle could return, meaning Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw would line up in the full-back roles with Ayden Heaven and Lisandro Martinez at centre-back.
Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte can continue in midfield, and Patrick Dorgu should be moved back to the right wing after his solid showing there in the Boxing Day win over Newcastle. Joshua Zirkzee was brought off at half time in the draw with Wolves, a decision Amorim confirmed was made for tactical reasons. The Dutchman can start again behind the striker in the absence of Mount and Mbeumo.
Matheus Cunha didn’t enjoy the best of nights against his old club in midweek but he has to start. Benjamin Sesko is still waiting to add to his tally of two goals for the club and today would be the perfect time to do so.
Predicted Manchester United XI: Lammens; Dalot, Heaven, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Ugarte; Dorgu, Zirkzee, Cunha; Sesko