Leeds United don’t have an easy start to their second season back in the Premier League as they head to Old Trafford on the opening day.
The Whites had the toughest start imaginable last season as they had to face defending champions Liverpool, and this time around they’re coming up against the runners-up.
Leeds will be desperate to get one over their biggest rivals on the opening day, and with another summer of Premier League level spending ahead of them, Leeds should come into this one as strong as they’ve ever been.
With that in mind, we’re having a go at predicting Leeds’ starting XI for this clash.
As ever, Illan Meslier starts between the sticks for the Whites, but the back four ahead of him does see some changes.
Luke Ayling retains his spot at right-back, but there’s a debutant on the left as Javier Galan comes in.
It’s been widely reported that Leeds could sign a new left-back this summer, and Galen’s name has been strongly linked with a move to Elland Road, so we have him down to start this one.
Marcelo Bielsa has a few big decisions to make at centre-back, but we think he’s going to go with Liam Cooper and Diego Llorente to start with.
You may be surprised to see Kalvin Phillips isn’t in his traditional number 6 position, but amid Leeds’ links to Harrison Reed, we think Phillips could be used in a new role here.
Phillips has shown for England at the Euros that he’s capable of playing as an all-action number eight, and we think Bielsa may be inclined to use him in this way against Manchester United to give Leeds a bit more bite in midfield against a side that put six past them at Old Trafford last term.
Therefore, Reed makes a debut in defensive midfield, amid strong links to the Fulham man, while Stuart Dallas, Jack Harrison – who we expect to make a permanent move to Elland Road – and Raphinha make up the rest of the midfield.
Up top, Patrick Bamford starts.
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